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NOTICE BY THE PUBLISHER. 



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SE WALL'S EXAMINATION OF PHRENOLOGY, 

IN TWO LECTURES— WITH PLATES. 

This work, which is now offered to the public, 
has been republished in Europe, and extensively 
circulated and read in our own country. The first 
lecture shows what the doctrines of phrenology 
are ; the second, how far they are consistent with 
anatomical structure and with reason. The whole 
argument is condensed into a small compass, and 
is exhibited in a form adapted to the general 
reader, as well as to professional men. With what 
degree of favor the first edition has been received, 
will appear from the following extracts, taken 
from critical reviews and journals, and several un- 
published letters, which we have obtained permis- 
sion to annex. Such opinions of the work, coming 
from such sources, cannot fail to secure for the 
present edition, the perusal of all who wish to be- 
come acquainted with the merits of the discussion. 

D. S. KING. 

Boston, April, 1839. 



11 



NOTICES OF THE WORK 



From the Hon. John Quincy Adams. 

Washington, 5 April, 1839. 
Dr. Thomas Sew all, Washington. 

Dear Sir : — I have read with great satisfaction your two Lectures upon the Sci- 
ence of Phrenology, which I have never been able to prevail upon myself to think 
of as a serious speculation. 1 have classed it with alchymy, with judicial astrology, 
with augury, — and, as Cicero says, that he wonders how two Roman augurs 
could ever look each other in the face without laughing, I have felt something of 
the same surprise, that two learned phrenologists can meet without the like tempta- 
tion. 

But as it has been said of Bishop Berkley's anti-material system, that he has de- 
monstrated beyond all possibility of refutation, what no man in his senses can be- 
lieve, so without your assistance, I should never have been able to encounter the 
system of thirty-three or thirty-five faculties of the immortal soul, all clustered on 
the blind side of the head. I thank you for furnishing me with argument to meet 
the doctors, who pack up the five senses in thirty-five parcels of the brain. I am 
glad that your lectures have been so successful, and hope they will be yet more so 
in recalling the sober sense of the mateHal philosophers of our age, to the dignity 
of an imperishable mind. 

I remain, dear sir, very respectfully, your friend, 

J. Q. ADAMS. 



From the Hon. Daniel Webster. 

Washington, March 8, 1839. 
My Dear Sir : — I read your " Examination of Phrenology" when first pub- 
lished. Of the accuracy of the physical and anatomical facts which you state, I 
am no competent judge; but if your premises be well founded, the argument is 
conclusive. It is stated clearly and forcibly. I am pleased that a new edition is to 
be published. I have seen, as doubtless you have, several favorable notices of the 
work in the English reviews and magazines, authorities of great weight. 
With very true regard, yours, 

DANIEL WEBSTER. 
Dr.Sewall. 



Ill 



From the Hon. John McLean, Judge of the Supreme Court of the United States. 

Richland, 25 June, 1337. 

My Dear Sir : — By the last mail I received your interesting Lectures on Phre- 
nology, and have derived from their perusal much instruction and pleasure ; and I 
am not a little gratified, that the opinion I had formed, you have sustained by argu- 
ment the most conclusive, and by the clearest anatomical demonstration. 

I do not profess fully to understand the science of Phrenology, — if it may be called 
a science, — but having attended, some years ago, a course of lectures upon the 
subject, and having since heard lectures, and read some of the current publications 
of the day, I take great pleasure in saying, that 1 have neither heard nor read any 
thing which so entirely corresponds with my own views, as your " Examination." 
You have taken the most effectual method to expose the absurdity of the system, 
and so completely have you succeeded, that I do not think the disciples of Gall and 
Spurzheim will attempt seriously to answer you. Certain I am, that your argu- 
ments cannot be refuted, nor the effect of your demonstrations avoided. 

I am in a great measure unacquainted with ihe anatomy of the parts involved in 
the question ; but I have always supposed (to use a law term) that there was a ten- 
ancy in common in the brain, and that the theory of its being divided into thirty-four 
or more compartments, which being more or less prominent externally, indicate the 
qualities of the mind, was fanciful, if not ridiculous But we need not wonder at 
the numerous supporters of phrenology. Quackery is too much the order of the day, 
and there is nothing so absurd, either in philosophy, politics or medicine, as not to 
have its advocates. 

I hope that your excellent work may be extensively circulated and read. 

With great respect, I am, very truly and sincerely, yours, 

JOHN JVlcLEAN. 
Dr. Thomas Sewall. 



From the Hon. John Sergeant, of Philadelphia. 

Harrisburg, June lBth, 1837. 
Dear Sir : — I am very much obliged to you for the " two Lectures " on Phre- 
nology, received yesterday. They are, in my judgment, quite conclusive of the 
question, and I am glad to be furnished with an anatomical demonstration of the 
futility of an asserted system, which never appeared to me worthy of any confi- 
dence, though (till .you were good enough to send me your book) the grounds of 
my opinion were too general to be entirely satisfactory. It gives me pleasure, of 
course, to have it so triumphantly sustained. 

Yours, very truly, 

JOHN SERGEANT. 
Dr. Sewall. 

From the Hon. Henry L. Pinckney. 

Charleston, July \bth, 1837. 
My Dear Sir : — I have had the pleasure to receive a copy of your Lectures on 
Phrenology, and am now able to say that 1 have perused it with much pleasure and 



IV 



instruction, and that I sincerely thank you for having convinced me, by your clear 
and able exposition, of the fallacy and absurdity of the whole system. T only won- 
der that your essays were not published long- before. The world is so full of hum- 
bugs, that every new-fangled imposition should be exposed at once ; and as you 
had given what I consider a death-blow to the nonsense of phrenology, you 
should have put forth your refutation the moment you had prepared it. I hope that 
your lectures will be extensively circulated, and noticed, as they should be, by the 
press. 

I am, dear sir, yours, very truly and respectfully, 

H. L. PINCKNEY. 
Dr. Thomas Sewall. 



From the Rev. Stephen Chapin, D. D., President of the Columbian College, D. C. 

College Hill, D. C, March 29th, 1839. 
To Dr. Thomas Sewall. 

Dear Sir : — I am pleased to learn that another edition of your " Examination of 
Phrenology" is called for. 

As I have regarded phrenology as a subtle form of materialism, and an auxiliary of 
infidelity, whatever its advocates may think or say, I look upon your lectures as 
having an important moral bearing; and therefore rejoice in the full conviction that 
your investigation has exploded the whole system. 

I agree with you entirely in the opinion, that our young men, old ones too in- 
deed, can find objects of infinitely greater moment to mankind than the study of 
this baseless hypothesis, for science it should not be called. 

Yours, with sentiments of great respect, 

S. CHAPIN. 



From the Rev. Justin Edwards, D. D., President of the Theological Seminary at 
Andover, Mass., and Prof. Stewart, of the same Institution. 

Andover, March 14th, 1839. 

The undersigned have read the treatise of Dr. Sewall on Phrenology with atten- 
tion and with much pleasure. Without undertaking to give any judgment upon 
those parts of it which are connected with details, depending upon anatomical skill, 
to which they lay no claim, they deem the treatise to be a connected and fair state- 
ment of the arguments on both sides of the question, and view it as deserving the 
careful attention of all who wish to become acquainted with the subject. 

JUSTIN EDWARDS, 
MOSES STEWART. 



From the Rev. Rue I Keith, D. D., President of the Episcopal Theological Sem- 
inary, D. C. 
Theological Seminary, near Alexandria, March 19lh, 1839. 
Dear Sir: — As I am one of those who believe the pretensions of phrenology not 
only to be false, but very prejudicial to the interests of morality and religion, inas- 
much as they degrade man from the rank of a free and accountable being, to that 
of a mere physical and irresponsible machine, I have heard, with great pleasure, 
of the intended republication of your admirable work on the subject. These pre- 
tensions had often been shown to be groundless and absurd by arguments drawn 
from the philosophy of the mind, but the public is indebted to yourself for the first 
work, so far as I know, in which this has been done by an appeal to plain matter of 
fact, to the form and structure of the cranium and the brain. Phrenology, there- 
fore, must now be regarded as not only refuted by the logic of the metaphysician, 
but as absolutely demolished by the dissections of the anatomist. And we may in- 
dulge the hope, that its mischievous influence, notwithstanding the zeal of its advo- 
cates and the gullibility of the public, has been effectually counteracted. It would 
be strange indeed, should it continue longer to be viewed by any of the intelligent 
and reflecting portion of mankind in any other light than as an exploded humbug. 
Your work has already done much good. Hoping it may yet do much more, and 
that you may thus receive the reward which you most deserve, 
I remain your friend and servant, 

RUEL KEITH. 
To Dr. Thomas Sewall. 



From the pen of the late President Fisk, D. D., of the Wesleyan University, ex- 
tracted from his letter to the editor of the Christian Advocate and Journal. 

" EXAMINATION OF PHRENOLOGY." 

Mr. Editor : — I have just finished the perusal of a work, entitled " An Exam- 
ination of Phrenology, in two Lectures, by Thomas Sewall, M. D., Professor of 
Anatomy and Physiology, Washington City." This work is fresh from the press, 
and has not therefore been long enough before the public to be generallj' read. But 
I venture to avail myself of the feelings produced by this early perusal of it, to do 
what little I may to call to it the attention of the public. 

Philosophy calls nothing hers, but truth; and for this she digs as for hid treas- 
ures. And if she thinks she has found a precious metal, none has a greater interest 
than she has to subject it to the crucible and the test. And he who will help her in 
this matter is her friend, however close the analysis, and however rigorous the in- 
vestigation. 

This is the work in which Dr. Sewall has engaged, and for which every lover of 
truth will thank him, whatever he may think of the results to which the doctor has 
come, in his lectures. And the more so, because the subject is treated with all 
that fairness and candor which its importance and the reputation of the advocates of 
this system demand 3 at the same time, that it is handled with that manly science and 
professional skill for which Dr. S. is already so favorably known to the American 
public. These lectures are also suited to popular reading ; for they are divested as 



VI 

much as may be of professional technicality, and are illustrated by plates, and by a 
plain deduction of anatomical and physiological facts, which can be understood and 
appreciated by all. 

The question then is, will the public give this side of the question a careful and 
attentive hearing-? I say this side, for the author's investigations have led him to 
conclusions unfavorable to the science of phrenology. He has shown, as he thinks, 
and such, on reading the work, is, I confess, my own opinion, that it is anatomically 
and physiologically absurd to rank practical phrenology among the sciences. 

This treatise commends itself to public patronage by numerous considerations. 
First, the reputation of the author is a sufficient guarantee to the public, that it is no 
ordinary, common-place production. 2. The claims which this modern system 
makes upon public confidence, the great advantages with which it has been pressed 
upon the community, and the proportionally small influence that has been exerted 
to question its claims, demand, in the name of truth and consistency, that this manly, 
scientific and lucid investigation of its pretensions should be read as extensively as 
the works in its favor. The American public owe this to themselves and to truth. 
The Institute of France has lately decided, after a careful investigation, that there 
is not enough of definiteness and certainty in this system, to entitle it to the rank of 
a science. And shall we suffer it to pass among us as a science, without investiga- 
tion 1 Shall we, after hearing but one side, enrol it by acclamation, upon the rec- 
ords of science, and the registry of philosophy ; and thus leave it even possible, for 
future generations to laugh at our credulity, while they blot it from the tablet ? 

Finally : whoever wishes to have a general view of this important part of the 
human form divine, without troubling himself with any extended technical and pro- 
fessional study, will find in this little work enough to compensate him for his money 
and time, although he take no interest in the main question here discussed. 

W. FISK. 

Wesleyan University, Middletowk, April 17, 1837. 



From the Biblical Repertory and Princeton Review. April, 1838. 
The argument against this science is cumulative. Were the considerations al- 
ready presented devoid of weight, its facts are all overthrown, and the whole sys- 
tem is demolished, by the impossibility of ascertaining the degree in which the dif- 
ferent parts of the brain are developed, by the examination of the skull. For a 
complete discussion of this point, we refer to the able lectures of Dr. Sewall, who 
has constructed, upon anatomical grounds, an unanswerable argument against 
phrenology. He shows that the skulls of some individuals are eight times thicker 
than those of others ; that in the same individual, the thickness of the skull varies in 
different portions, and that in some parts its internal and external tables recede from 
each other, forming cavities, called sinuses, of greater or less extent. 



From the Methodist Magazine and Quarterly Review for July, 1837. 
The Lectures of Dr. Sewall must be regarded by all parties as a most timely 
publication. The subject is, undoubtedly, one of high and commanding importance 



Vll 



in every aspect. It involves physical, mental and moral science ; for if phrenology 
be true, in vvhole or in part, all the learning- of the schools on these several topics is 
exploded, and " the world is turned upside down ;" and on the other hand, if it be 
false, it is calculated, by its specious plausibility and pedantic pretensions, to in- 
dict irremediable wounds both upon philosophy and religion. It is, therefore, strict- 
ly within the province of science and philanthropy to give to the whole subject a 
rigid investigation. This its enemies need, to arm them in the conflict with its zeal- 
ous advocates, from which it is impossible to escape ; and the honest friends of the 
science ought not to shrink from such an ordeal, if conducted with candor and lib- 
erality. 

Professor Sewall, in these two lectures, has taken a course the most unexception- 
able in all respects that can well be conceived. In the first lecture, he gives a suc- 
cinct, but comprehensive history of phrenology, together with a brief exhibition of 
its nature, its claims, and the arguments by which it is vindicated by its authors 
and disciples. And in the second lecture he examines the science by the only true 
criterion, ihe anatomical structure and organization of the cranium and brain. The 
warmest admirer of phrenology will be constrained to admit that the author has not 
misrepresented the science in his first lecture, and such will read it without finding 
any want of candor or magnanimity in the exhibition of its principles or claims. In- 
deed, it is obviously his design to give the true character of phrenology, so that the 
reader may discover its multiplied and important bearings, and appreciate the pro- 
priety of a patient and sober examination. And indeed the auihor attaches centre 
to those who have caricatured and satirized the science and its votaries, and main- 
tains that it is entitled to other treatment than that of ridicule. 

But, in the second lecture, Professor Sewall has grappled with the " science" in 
a style of manly and logical reasoning which shows him to be a master of the sub- 
ject. As an able and practical anatomist, he has dissected both phrenology it- 
self, and ihe human head, of which it speaks with such oracular dogmatism ; and as 
a physiologist and metaphysician, he has contented himself with environing the sci- 
ence with inextricable difficulties ; and although this is accomplished by a few brief 
hints, yet the sect will find them to be absolutely unanswerable. Indeed, the plates 
which accompany the volume, even if unaccompanied by the argument, would be 
sufficient to overthrow the whole fabric of phrenology; for it is impossible to ex- 
amine these drawings, and the summary explanations which accompany them, with- 
out perceiving the phijsical impossibility of determining, from any inspection or ad- 
measurement of the skull, either the "volume of the brain," whether absolute or rel- 
ative, or the size, much less the configuration of the organs into which " the science" 
has arbitrarily divided the structure of the brain. 

By the publication of these lectures, Professor Sewall has greatly added to his 
well-earned professional reputation, and performed an essential service to the cause 
of science and religion. He deserves and will receive the thanks of the public for 
thus interposing the shield of science to protect the young and rising generation 
from the ingenious and mischievous influence of a species of philosophy which 
might else deceive by its learned empiricism, and beguile from the truth by the 
gaudy plumes it has borrowed from true philosophy, to conceal its errors and fol- 
lies under the name of discoveries and facts. Phrenologists can no longer clamor 
for candid and liberal opposition, for these lectures have furnished facts and argu- 
ments which will give employment to the whole clique for a century. 



Vlll 

From the American Medical Intelligencer. Edited by Professor Dunglison, of Philadelphia. 

May, 1837. 
Sewall's Lectures on Phrenology. — Two valuable lectures on a topic 
which, although much has been said on both sides, has by no means lost its interest 
with the profession or the public, whilst it is often used as a means of gulling the 
latter. No one who reads Dr. Sewall's book will, we think, be disposed to place 
much faith in the dicta of the itinerant craniologist. It is conceived in the true 
spirit, and conveyed in the language of science. 



From the London Literary Gazette, of August 12, 1837. 

The title page informs us, that this volume (Dr. Sewall's Examination of Phre- 
nology) was published by request, and we do not wonder at it, for it contains one 
of the ablest anatomical expositions of the gratuitous assumptions of phrenology 
which have appeared either in America or England. 

Dr. Sewall takes up the question like a man intimately acquainted with the 
structure and physiology of the human frame, and he demonstrates, with the great- 
est clearness and precision, the leading absurdities of the hypothesis, maintained by 
the disciples of this German school. He does not meddle with their metaphysical 
or moral and religious doctrines, but contents himself with demolishing their theory, 
as founded on the size, shape, and consistency of the brain, and the form of the 
bony casing in which it is lodged. In his first lecture, he gives a good retrospective 
summary of its history, and we have only to apologize for having made selections 
from it instead of touching upon all the grounds he has laid down. * * * We 
consider the reasoning of Dr. Sewall to be unanswerable. * * * The lectures 
contain much sound advice, which we rejoice to circulate through our columns. 
They do credit to the Columbian College, within whose walls they were propounded." 



From the London MontMy Review, of September, 1837. 

Ridicule has done much to throw the theory (of phrenology) into disrepute, and 
argument not less. Of the latter sort of these hostile weapons, the present lectures 
furnish an effective specimen, for with a calmness and candor which cannot be sur- 
passed, and a mastery of knowledge as well as of ratiocination, that is resistless, 
Dr. Sewall disposes of the subject, and shows that phrenology has withdrawn the 
attention of many sanguine and ingenious minds from far nobler and more profitable 
pursuits. * * * In his second lecture, our author pursues his subject by en- 
deavoring to show how far the science is reconcilable with the anatomical structure 
and organization of the brain, the cranium and other parts concerned ; and here it 
is that his effort is particularly successful and cogent. * * * 

We have now, besides giving a sketch of the early history of phrenology, which 
to few of our readers can be more than the means of refreshing their memories, pre- 
sented some passages from Dr. Sewall's examination of its claims, in which exam- 
ination some new views have been suggested and pursued in a manner which we 
think will give a severe blow to the theory. 



IX 

From the Medico- Chh-urgical Review and Journal, of April, 1837. Edited by James Johnson, 
Physician Extraordinary to the late King, and Henry James Johnson, Esq. 

Dr. Sewall is evidently a well-informed man, and as evidently a well-intentioned 
man. He examines phrenology with no malice prepense, with no spirit of dogma- 
tism, with no wish to bully. If he disputes the conclusions with the phrenologists, 
he does so after arguing the question with them, and the grounds of his dissent, as 
well as the process of reasoning which leads to it, are openly exposed. 



From the North American Revieir, of October, 1837. 
The descriptions (of phrenology), though necessarily brief, are clear and intel- 
ligible, and, so far as we can perceive, fair and impartial. No indication appears 
in this (the first) lecture, that the author has any other object in view than to teach 
phrenology to his class, as it would be taught by a confident believer in its doc- 
trines. * * * Some other considerations follow, and the lecture concludes with 
an eloquent appeal to the young men to whom it was addressed, to seek out and fol- 
low such objects of pursuit as shall lead to useful practical results, rather than to be 
captivated by fascinating speculations. * * * To those, however, who feel a 
stronger interest in the question, and especially to those who would see how the 
matter-of-fact teachings of anatomy bear upon it, we would commend Dr. Sewall's 
lectures. He has discussed the subject with ability, and even those who are not con- 
vinced by his arguments (and it is not to be supposed that those who are already 
adherents of the doctine will be) will acknowledge that he has treated the subject 
with fairness, and its advocates with courtesy. 



From the American Journal of Medical Sciences, of August, 1837. 
This (Dr. Sewall's) is the most dispassionate examination of the phrenological 
doctrines, and the strongest array of argument against its validity, that we have met 
with. The first lecture comprises a sketch of the origin and progress of phrenology, 
with an exposition of its leading doctrines, and of the principles upon which it is 
founded. In the second lecture, the question is examined of how far the science is 
reconcilable with the anatomical structure and organization of the brain, the crani- 
um, and other parts concerned. The subject is treated in a very plain and lucid 
manner, so as to be perfectly intelligible to general readers, and is, moreover, illus- 
trated by some well-executed and interesting plates. The learning and high stand- 
ing of the author entitle his views to a respectful and attentive consideration. * * * 



Dr. Sewall's " Examination of Phrenology, in Two Lectures," 
which was recently passed through the press in this country, and which has so much 
annoyed some of the Phrenologists, has, it appears, been republished in London. 
The following is from one of the reviews of that metropolis : 

" Art. XIV. An Examination of Phrenology. By Thomas Sewall, 
M. D. London : Hodson. 1838. — Although we may have said that the phrenological 

2 



system has the better of the Owenite in respect of talent, respectability on the part 
of its advocates, and its feasibility, we are far from giving- in to its dogmas — absurd- 
ities, if you will. Without, however, entering upon a vexed question, we have now 
to say, that Mr. Sewall's Examination, of which, some months ago, we took partic- 
ular notice, is a clincher. There is the reasoner, the practical expounder, and the 
calm, dignified, and self-possessed refuter, exemplified in every page." 

" Monthly Review, London, JVov. 1838, page 461." 



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■ 
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AN 



EXAMINATION OF PHRENOLOGY 



IN TWO LECTURES, 



DELIVERED TO THE STUDENTS OF THE COLUMBIAN COLLEGE, 
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, FEBRUARY, 1837. 



BY THOMAS SEWALL, M. D. 

PROFESSOR OF ANATOMT AND PHYSIOLOGY. 



SECOND EDITION REVISED AND ENLARGED. 



BOSTON: 
PUBLISHED BY D. S. KING, 

32, WASHINGTON STREET. 

1839. 



£^1 







£*> 



Entered according to an Act of Congress, in the year 1839, by D. S. King, in the 
Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. 



DUTTON ANI> WENTWQRTH S PRINT. 



LECTURE I. 



Gentlemen : 

The object of the lectures which I am invited to 
deliver, will be an examination of Phrenology ; a 
science which, though of recent date, has spread 
with great rapidity, and is at this time exciting a 
general and strong interest in the scientific circles 
of Europe and this country. 

The account which we have received of the ori- 
gin and progress of this subject, is singular and 
interesting. 

About half a century ago, Dr. Gall, an ingenious 
and eccentric physician of Germany, was led, as he 
says, by observation, to the fact, that the various 
mental manifestations of different individuals, were 
accompanied by a peculiar conformation of the 
cranium. His attention was at first drawn to this 
subject, by observing, while quite a youth, that 
each of his brothers and sisters, his school-fellows 
and companions in play, possessed some peculiarity 



of talent or disposition, some aptitude or propen- 
sity, which distinguished them from others. One 
was modest, another haughty ; this one frank, that 
deceitful ; this peaceable, that disputatious and 
quarrelsome. In their childish sports, he found 
some amused themselves by cutting figures in 
wood, or drawing them on paper, in painting, or 
the cultivation of a garden ; while others aban- 
doned themselves to the noisy games, or traversed 
the woods in pursuit of flowers, birds' nests and but- 
terflies. One was the carpenter of the house, and 
was always seen with tools in his hand ; and the 
greatest pleasure of another, on the contrary, was 
to assist at the mass, and to ring the church bells. 

They were equally diversified in their capacities 
for study. Some were distinguished for the beauty 
of their penmanship, some for their success in 
arithmetic, others for the talent of acquiring a 
knowledge of natural history, or of languages. 
The composition of one was remarkable for ele- 
gance, while the style of another was stiff and dry ; 
a third connected his reasoning in the closest man- 
ner, and clothed his arguments in the most forcible 
language. 

In the course of his observations, he found that 
some of his school-fellows were distinguished for 
accuracy and power of memory, and that those 
thus gifted had prominent eyes. 

He soon came to the conclusion, that if memory 
for words was connected with an external sign, the 



same might be the case with other intellectual 
powers ; and from this moment, he says, every 
individual, distinguished for any peculiarity, be- 
came the object of his attention and study. Great, 
musicians, great poets, great painters, great math- 
ematicians, were carefully examined by him, and 
their characters investigated. 

And while he noticed this coincidence between 
the external form of the head and the character of 
the mind, he tells us that he referred the whole 
influence, whatever it was, to the brain, and not to 
the bony casement which surrounds it. 

Thus furnished with so many proofs of the coin- 
cidence between the development of different 
parts of the brain, and the display of the moral and 
intellectual character of man, he was compelled to 
renounce the obscure and incomprehensible doc- 
trines of the schools, and to apply himself to the 
study of the primitive faculties. To this end he 
visited hospitals and insane asylums, prisons, and 
the seats of justice ; was introduced to the courts 
of princes, to schools and colleges, and wherever 
he heard of an individual, distinguished in any way 
for remarkable endowments, or for deficiency, 
he observed and studied the developments of his 
head. 

In 1796, Gall, for the first time, gave a course 
of lectures upon phrenology at Vienna, the place 
of his residence. These he continued annually, for 
five years ; when the Austrian srovernment issued 



an order in January, 1802, that they should cease ; 
his doctrines being considered as leading to mate- 
rialism, and dangerous to the cause of morality and 
religion. The subject, however, continued to be 
studied with greater zeal than before ; the prohi- 
bition having strongly stimulated public curiosity ; 
and Gall, finding his success in propagating his 
new theory, and in raising up friends to its support, 
greater than was anticipated, in 1804 associated 
with him his favorite pupil, Spurzheim. From this 
time they were constantly together, and their la- 
bors were in common. 

In March, 1805, Gall and Spurzheim left Vi- 
enna in company, and travelled through Germany, 
Prussia, and Switzerland, to France ; visiting most 
of the considerable towns and villages, and every 
where teaching their doctrines, and studying the 
organization of man. They tarried but a short 
time in any one place ; too short a time, says Gall, 
to form practical pupils. " The principles were 
explained, the developments shown, and we were 
oif." Dr. Gall even gave the advice not to repeat 
the experiments, since it was difficult to do so with 
success. 

It was at Berlin, and the fortress of Spandau, 
where they first put their doctrine to the test of 
experiment, by its application to congregated mul- 
titudes. Here, in the presence of the chiefs of the 
establishment and others, they were conducted to 
the prison at Berlin, where upwards of two hun- 



dred culprits, of whom they had never heard till 
that moment, to whose crimes and dispositions they 
were total strangers, were submitted to their in- 
spection. Dr. Gall, it is said, not only discovered, 
with surprising readiness, their natural propensi- 
ties, but also indicated the offence for which each 
was imprisoned. A few days after they made a 
visit to Spandau, where four hundred and seventy 
heads were submitted to inspection, and with a 
similar result. 

In November, 1807, Gall, assisted by his zeal- 
ous associate, delivered his first course of lectures 
in Paris ; illustrated by a numerous collection of 
skulls, heads, and casts, and by a multiplicity of 
physiological and pathological facts. Great was 
the ardor excited among the Parisians by their 
presence ; teaching, as they did, a new doctrine, 
and by which it was supposed they could tell men's 
fortunes, and predict their future career, by an in- 
spection of their heads. 

In 1808, Gall and Spurzheim presented a joint 
memoir on the Anatomy and Physiology of the 
Brain to the French Institute, which at that time 
was in its full glory, and one of the first scientific 
societies in Europe. The chief of the anatomical 
department, and the first member of this learned 
body to whom Drs. Gall and Spurzheim addressed 
themselves, was M. Cuvier. He received the 
German Doctors with politeness, attended their 
3 



8 

lectures, and witnessed their dissections of the 
brain. 

A committee was appointed by the institute to 
report upon the memoir, consisting of Tenon, Por- 
tal, Sabbatier, Pinel and Cuvier ; all men of known 
candor and ability. M. Cuvier drew up an elabo- 
rate report, containing within a short compass, the 
whole substance of the memoir ; but while it was 
approved by the institute, it was not such as to sat- 
isfy Gall and Spurzheim, or to inspire confidence 
in their views of the anatomy and physiology of the 
brain. Some merit was awarded them for the im- 
provements they had made in the manner of dis- 
secting the brain, and for a few other innovations 
but many of the discoveries, which they claimed as 
original, w T ere traced to anatomists who had pre- 
ceded them, and their main positions were regarded 
as extremely hypothetical. Such was the recep- 
tion which phrenology met with from the French 
Institute. 

In 1809, Gall and Spurzheim commenced pub- 
lishing their great work, entitled The Anatomy and 
Physiology of the nervous system in general, and of the 
brain in particular, with observations upon the possi- 
bility of ascertaining several intellectual and moral 
dispositions of man, and animals, by the configuration 
of their heads. — Four volumes, folio, with an atlas 
of one hundred plates, the completion of which oc- 
cupied ten years. 

In 1813, they separated, and from this time 



9 

each pursued his phrenological investigations by 
himself. Dr. Gall made Paris his home, and ac- 
quired great notoriety in his favorite science, con- 
siderable distinction as a writer and philosopher, 
and also realized a handsome fortune. He died in 
1828, of a paralytic shock, in the seventy-second 
year of his age. He was followed to the place of 
interment by an immense concourse of friends and 
admirers, five of whom pronounced discourses at 
his grave. His death gave rise to a succession of 
eulogiums and attacks in the French newspapers. 

Spurzheim, while he considered France his res- 
idence, travelled extensively through Germany, 
Switzerland, Prussia, England, Scotland, and Ire- 
land, making observations, teaching phrenology, 
and collecting facts. 

He returned to Paris to reside in 1817, where he 
regularly gave two courses of lectures upon phre- 
nology annually ; but complained that during his 
absence, the subject had in a great measure been 
laid aside and forgotten. In 1824, he married a lady 
of fine talents and accomplishments, who entered 
deeply into the spirit of his enterprise. This event 
seems to have given a fresh impulse to his investi- 
gations, and to have inspired him with increased 
zeal in extending the influence of phrenology. 

Spurzheim, in 1832, visited the United States. 
His objects were to study the genius and character 
of our nation, and to establish and propagate the 
doctrines of phrenology. He landed in New York 



10 

on the fourth day of August, and proceeded almost 
immediately to Boston. Here he was received 
with all the respect and kindness for which the in- 
habitants of that ancient metropolis are so distin- 
guished in their treatment of strangers. He was 
conducted to the various public and private institu- 
tions, was introduced to the literary and scientific 
personages of distinction, and every thing was done 
to render his stay agreeable, and to promote the 
objects of his visit. He was invited to deliver lec- 
tures, to examine heads, and to explain his doc- 
trines. But he had scarcely entered upon his 
career, when he was struck down by a fever, of 
which he died on the tenth of November, in the 
fifty-sixth year of his age. His remains were in- 
terred at Mount Auburn, with every mark of re- 
spect, where a neat and beautiful monument has 
been erected to his memory, by the generous and 
high-minded citizens of Boston. 

Long before the arrival of Spurzheim in this 
country, his works, as well as those of Gall, had 
been extensively circulated and read ; and it is 
doubtful whether any country has given the sub- 
ject of phrenology a more respectful consideration 
than the United States. Works have been written 
upon the subject, societies have been formed, lec- 
tures delivered, and zealous and able advocates 
have been raised up to spread and defend its doc- 
trines. At this time there is scarcely a town, or 
village, in which its general principles are not more 
or less understood. 



11 

The works of Gall and Spurzheim are numerous, 
and evince great industry and perseverance, deep 
research and reflection, and, aside from phrenol- 
ogy, contain a great deal of general information. 
Most of their books have been republished in the 
United States. 

Such is a brief sketch of the history of phrenol- 
ogy, as furnished by Dr. Gall and his friends. 
Whether he was the originator of the science, or 
derived his first intimations upon the subject from 
some previous writers, is a question which I shall 
not discuss. Certain it is, that ideas, in many 
respects similar to those of Gall, were entertained 
and promulgated long before his time. 

Aristotle, the Grecian philosopher, who wrote 
more than three centuries before the Christian era, 
considered the brain as a multiplex organ, and as- 
signed to each part its appropriate functions. 

In the forepart of the cerebral structure, he 
places common sense ; the middle portion he as- 
signs to imagination, judgment and reflection ; the 
back part he makes the great store-house, or seat 
of the memory. 

This was the account of the divisions of the 
brain given by Aristotle ; and however crude it 
may appear in its details, it was followed by many 
writers in the middle ages, with very little varia- 
tion. But, while he regarded the brain as multi- 
plex, he considered a small head as the standard 
of perfection, and contends that it is indicative of 



12 

a superior intellect. In this respect he is at vari- 
ance with Dr. Gall and other phrenologists of the 
present day. 

From various passages found in the works of 
Galen, it is evident that he was acquainted with the 
views of Aristotle upon this subject, and that he 
admitted the same doctrines, with some modifica- 
tions. 

As late as 1296, Bernard Gordon, an eminent 
French physician and teacher at Montpelier, 
closely follows Aristotle in his divisions of the 
brain, and appropriated to each part particular 
faculties. 

In the thirteenth century, Albert the Great, 
Archbishop of Ratisbon, one of those who had la- 
bored long for the discovery of the philosopher's 
stone, actually formed a head, mapped out into re- 
gions in conformity with the divisions of the brain 
by Aristotle and others. 

In 1491, Peter Montagnana published an en- 
graving of the head, in which he represents the 
seat of the sensus communis, a cellula imaginativa, a 
cellula estimativa sen cogitativa, a cellula mcmorativa, 
and a cellula rationalis. 

Michael Servetus, whose death took place at Ge- 
neva, in 1553, places the different mental faculties 
in different parts of the brain. He supposed that 
the two anterior cerebral cavities were for the im- 
ages of external objects ; the third ventricle the 
seat of thought ; the aqueduct of Sylvius the seat 



13 

of the soul ; and the fourth ventricle the seat of 
the memory. 

In 1562, Ludovico Dolci, a learned Venetian, 
published a work upon preserving and strengthen- 
ing the memory ; and, in illustration of his princi- 
ples, he mapped out a head into regions, more 
elaborately than any one which had previously been 
formed. 

In a work of Jo. Baptista Porta, an eminent Ne- 
apolitan philosopher and physician, published at 
Leyden, 1586, entitled De Humana Physiognomia, 
there are contained so many of the principles and 
illustrations of the phrenology of the present day, 
that it may well be questioned whether hints have 
not been drawn from this source by later writers. 
He proposes to discover the intellectual and moral 
character of man, by his physical organization, 
color, etc., and while he embraces the whole body, 
he lays particular stress upon the configuration of 
the head. He finds analogies between the human 
species and several races of the brutes ; but discov- 
ers the general characteristics of man in the lion, 
and of woman in the leopard ; and concludes by ar- 
ranging under appropriate heads, the various signs 
by which the intellectual and moral character and 
disposition of every individual may be determined. 

A folio edition of this work is found in the li- 
brary of Harvard College, and contains a large 
number of plates of the heads of persons, placed 
by the side of those of certain animals, illustrative 



14 

of bis doctrines ; a few copies of these I am ena- 
bled to exhibit to the class, through the kindness 
of Professor Greenleaf. 

As late as the middle of the seventeenth century, 
the celebrated Dr. Thomas Willis, a graduate and 
for some time a physician at Oxford, and afterwards 
physician to King Charles II, published a work, in 
which he asserts that the corpora striata are the seat 
of perception ; the medullary part of the brain that 
of memory and imagination ; the corpus callosum 
that of reflection ; and the cerebellum he con- 
siders as furnishing the principle of voluntary mo- 
tion. 

But by far the nearest approach to modern phre- 
nology was made by that extraordinary man, Baron 
Swedenborg, the author of the system of doctrines 
of the New Jerusalem church. He not only con- 
sidered the brain as composed of a plurality of or- 
gans, but maintained the principle, that the exer- 
cise of the different faculties of the mind changes 
the configuration of the head, by promoting the de- 
velopment of their respective organs. The follow- 
ing extract will give an idea of his views upon this 
subject, and will establish also the authenticity of 
the source from which they are taken. 

Capt. F. Walden published at Copenhagen, in 
1806, a biography of the celebrated Swedenborg, 
along with some extracts from his writings. It is 
very remarkable, as is shown by this work, that 
the distinguished Swede, about fifty years previous 



15 

to Dr. Gall's theory, should have entertained a 
very similar opinion. The following are the words 
of Swedenborg : " Every man that is born has a 
disposition to all sorts of evil, which must be 
checked by education, and, as far as possible, 
rooted out. This is first to be attempted by cor- 
rection and punishment ; then by good society and 
example, which lead to imitation ; and at last good 
is secured upon a true and reasonable religious 
root. When these conditions are all observed, it 
is indicated by the beautiful skull of the individual. 
On the contrary, should the education be neg- 
lected, or no sudden misfortune, nor opposition, 
hinder the first outbreakings of evil, or disorder, 
the evil afterwards becomes habit, and produces 
peculiar wishes, both in design and practice, vjhich 
cause the formation of a badly shaped skull. The 
cause of the difference of skulls, in such cases, is 
this : The peculiar distinctions of man, will and 
understanding, have their seats in the brain, which 
is excited by the fleeting desires of the will, and 
the ideas of the intellect. Near the various spots 
where these irritations produce their effects, this 
or that part of the brain is called into a greater or 
less degree of activity, and forms along with itself 
corresponding parts of the skull." 

But I will not detain you with further details 

upon the history of the science. Those of you who 

may wish to pursue the investigation, will find the 

subject amply discussed by that erudite and able 

4 



16 



author, Professor Dunglison, in his admirable work 
on Human Physiology, in his account of the mental 
faculties. 

I will only remark, that the fact of the early 
writers having known something of phrenology, af- 
fords but slender proof, that Dr. Gall borrowed his 
notions from them ; since it is not uncommon for 
men of genius to make the same discoveries, strike 
out the same trains of thought, and pursue the 
same course of investigation without concert, or 
the slightest knowledge of each other's pursuits. 

Whatever may be the truth with regard to the 
origin of phrenology, it is through the writings of 
Dr. Gall, supported by the untiring labors and in- 
vincible zeal of his pupils and disciples, that the 
science has been widely spread through the civi- 
lized world. And it is by these labors, and by this 
ceaseless spirit of exertion, that the subject has 
been brought to our shores, and has afforded the 
occasion to investigate it, and ascertain whether it 
furnishes us with that infallible guide in the study 
of human character, which has been pretended. 

It seems proper that we should investigate it, 
because it has enlisted so many men of talents in 
its support, and become a subject of so much in- 
terest as to excite discussion in almost every circle, 
and on every occasion ; and because, too, it is 
represented to be a science, the knowledge of 
which is all-important to the well-being of society. 
A science, which its authors and disciples gravely 



17 

tell us, looks down with compassion on the shallow 
distinctions and puerile speculations of Bacon, 
Locke, Berkeley, Hartley, Reid and Stewart. These 
men tell us, that up to their own time, the philos- 
ophy of man was a perfect waste, and that the dis- 
coveries of Newton himself were comparatively in- 
significant ; while that of phrenology is the great- 
est and most important that was ever communi- 
cated to man. 

The discoveries, says Mr. Combe, of the revolu- 
tion of the globe, and the circulation of the blood, 
were splendid displays of genius in their authors, 
and interesting and beneficial to mankind ; but 
their results, compared with the consequences 
which must inevitably follow from Dr. Gall's dis- 
covery of the functions of the brain, sink into rela- 
tive insignificance. 

It may be well, therefore, that we should look 
into a science which holds up these lofty preten- 
sions, and ascertain how far it is entitled to con- 
fidence. 

My object on the present occasion, will be 
briefly to present to your view some of the leading 
principles of phrenology, and then to ascertain 
how far these are sustained by the anatomical 
structure of the parts more immediately concerned. 

1. Phrenology, like most systems of mental phi- 
losophy, makes the brain the material organ of the 
mind. 

2. It assumes the position, that just in proportion 



18 

to the volume of this organ, other things being 
equal, will be the power of the mental manifesta- 
tions. 

3. That the exercise of the mind promotes the 
development of the brain. 

4. That the character of the mind is to be de- 
termined by the configuration of the brain. 

5. That the brain is a multiplex organ, and com- 
posed of a definite number of compartments, or 
sub-organs, each of which is the appropriate seat 
of a propensity, sentiment, or intellectual faculty. 

6. That the mind consists of a definite number 
of original powers, which are divided into propen- 
sities, sentiments, and intellectual faculties. 

7. That to the existence of each original pro- 
pensity, sentiment, or intellectual faculty, a spe- 
cific cerebral organ is necessary, and that every 
specific mental operation can be performed, only by 
means of an appropriate organ. 

8. That the brain is composed of at least thirty- 
five phrenological organs, or pairs of organs, all 
commencing at the medulla oblongata, or top of 
the spinal marrow, and radiating to the surface of 
the brain. That they commence at a point, and 
like so many inverted cones, become more and 
more voluminous, until that portion which is 
bounded by the walls of the cranium, presents a 
surface corresponding in form, size, and situation, 
with the figured skulls, delineated in plate I., fig. 

., ii., and in. 



19 

9. That just in proportion to the development, 
or size of each of these organs, or cones, will be 
the strength of the particular faculty of which it is 
the residence. The size of the organs to be esti- 
mated by their length and breadth, and the extent 
of their peripheral surface, and consequently that 
each prominence of the skull indicates the degree 
of development of that organ of the brain which is 
situated immediately under it, and of course, the 
power of the intellectual faculty, sentiment, or 
passion, of which it is the residence. 

10. That the exercise of any particular faculty 
of the mind, promotes the development of the ap- 
propriate organ of such faculty. 

It is upon the principles here laid down, that the 
whole system of phrenology is based. 

" By a knowledge of Phrenology and Craniol- 
ogy," says a distinguished writer upon this subject, 
" the experienced phrenologist is enabled to judge 
of the natural amount, and the general character 
of the intellects of individuals, by an inspection of 
their heads. " 

In accordance with these principles, the cranium 
has been mapped out into thirty-five distinct terri- 
tories, corresponding, as is supposed, in position, 
form and size, with the bases of the different or- 
gans of the brain. 

When any one, or more, of these compart- 
ments is so prominent as to rise above the neigh- 
boring parts of the skull, the organ which is im- 



20 

mediately under it, is said to be full, and the fac- 
ulty of which it is the seat, proportionably strong 
and vigorous. 

These thirty-five organs have been grouped, so 
as to constitute three distinct families, as repre- 
sented in Plate I., fig. i., n., and in.; one division 
for the propensities or passions, one for the moral 
sentiments, and a third for the intellectual faculties. 
The first group has been appropriated to the back 
and inferior region of the brain ; the second, to the 
superior portion ; and the third, to the anterior 
portion of this structure. 

Having thus presented to you a few of the lead- 
ing principles of phrenology, I shall, without de- 
taining you longer, point out the position of the in- 
dividual organs, and briefly sketch the leading 
characteristics of each of their respective functions, 
as described by phrenologists. 

I. PROPENSITIES. 

1. AMATIVENESS. 

This organ is situated in the cerebellum, or the 
lower part of the occiput. When full, it gives a 
backward protrusion of the occipitis, and a thick- 
ness to the upper part of the neck. Its function 
is sexual love. Numerous instances are given by 
phrenologists, of the development of the organ, cor- 
responding with the intensity of the function. 



21 

PHILOPROGENITIVENESS. 

Situated at the occiput, immediately above Am- 
ativeness, and corresponds with the occipital pro- 
tuberance. Its function is the love of offspring. 
It is more fully developed in women than in men, 
and its development corresponds with the strength 
of the propensity. Of twenty-nine females who 
had been guilty of infanticide, it is said that 
the development was defective in twenty-seven. 
When fully developed, it supports the mother in 
htr toils, and even renders delightful the cares and 
troubles of rearing a helpless offspring. It is large 
in the Hindoo, the Negro and Charib skulls. 

3. CONCENTRATIVENESS. 

Situated immediately above Philoprogenitiveness, 
and below Self-esteem. Its function is to maintain 
two or more powers in simultaneous or combined 
activity, so that they may be directed towards one 
object. Where it is fully developed, persons pos- 
sess a command over their feelings and intellec- 
tual powers, so as to be able to devote them, in 
their whole vigor, to the pursuit which forms the 
object of their study for the time ; and hence they 
produce the greatest possible results. It is small 
in the American Indian, and large in the Negro 
and European. 



22 

4. ADHESIVENESS. 

Situated on each side of Concentrativeness. The 
faculty produces the instinctive tendency to at- 
tach ourselves to surrounding objects, animate 
and inanimate, and to embrace and cling to the 
object of our affection. It disposes to friendship, 
and society in general. It often shows itself in 
attachment to horses, dogs, and other animals. 
When largely developed, it produces excessive 
grief at the loss of friends ; and in leaving one's 
country, the disease called Nostalgia, so common 
to the Swiss. When feeble, it may render a man 
an Anchorite or a hermit. 

5. COMBATIVENESS. 

Situated on each side of the head, at the inferior 
mastoid angle of the parietal bone. The organ, 
when full, produces active courage, and if very 
full, a propensity to attack. A considerable en- 
dowment is indispensable to a great and magnan- 
imous character. It gives that boldness to the mind 
which enables it to look undaunted on opposition, 
to meet, and if possible, to overcome it. When 
largely developed, it inspires with the love of con- 
tention, leads to a quarrelsome disposition, and 
imparts pleasure in disputation and fighting. When 
deficient, the individual cannot resist attacks, nor 
make his way, where he must invade the preju- 
dices, or encounter the hostility of others. The 



23 

organ is generally large in persons who have mur- 
dered, from the impulse of the moment. It is 
large in Robert Bruce, David Haggart, Mary Ma- 
chines. It is large also in the Charibs, and small 
in most of the Hindoos. 

6. DESTRUCTIVENESS. 

Situated immediately above, and extends a little 
backward and forward, from the external opening 
of the ear, and corresponds to the squamus plate 
of the temporal bone. The faculty produces the 
impulse to destroy in general. Combativeness gives 
the desire to meet and overcome obstacles, and 
having vanquished them, the mind under this in- 
spiration pursues them no farther. Destructive- 
ness prompts to extermination. Anger and rage 
are the manifestations of this passion, and cruelty 
is the result of its excessive energy, uncontrolled 
by benevolence and justice. In cool, deliberate 
murderers, and in those who delight in cruelty, 
the organ is conspicuous. It is large in hunters, 
and keen sportsmen, without exception. It is 
large in the bust of Dean, Pallet, Thurtell, Hea- 
man ; and in the skulls of Bruce, Gordon, Hussey, 
Nisbet, Bellingham, Buchanan, Rotherham, Al- 
bert ; in the skull of Tardy, the pirate ; and it is 
said to be very large in the head of a living Scotch 
divine of great celebrity, now residing in Edin- 
burgh. 

5 



24 

7. CONSTRUCTIVENESS. 

Situated immediately over, and adjoining De- 
structiveness. When very fully developed it pro- 
duces unusual breadth of the head, from temple to 
temple. The faculty inspires with the tendency 
to construct in general, but the particular direction 
in which it is exerted, depends on the other 
predominant faculties of the individual. If com- 
bined with large Combativeness and Destructive- 
ness, it may be employed in fabricating implements 
of war. If joined with large Veneration, it may 
tend towards erecting places of religious worship. 
If joined with large Form, Imitation, and Secre- 
tiveness, it may inspire with a love of portrait 
painting. The organ is indispensable to all who 
follow operative mechanical professions. It is large 
in Raphael, Brunei, Herschel, and Perkins. It is 
small in the New Hollanders. It is large in all 
animals distinguished for their ingenuity in build- 
ing, as the beaver, field-mouse, and the like. 

8. ACQUISITIVENESS. 

Situated immediately behind Constructiveness. 
Its function is the love of acquisition generally, 
without reference to the use to which the objects, 
when attained, may be applied. It takes its di- 
rection from the other faculties, and hence may 
lead to the collecting of coins, minerals, and other 



25 

objects of curiosity, or of science, as well as 
money. If men had always provided only what 
they could individually enjoy, they would never, it 
is said, have emerged from a savage condition ; 
the function of this organ, therefore, is considered 
as indispensable to the continuance of civilization. 
It is the foundation of wealth, of covetousness, and 
of luxury, in civilized life. When largely devel- 
oped, and not regulated by the higher faculties, it 
often leads to dishonesty, and even theft. A chap- 
lain in the Prussian army, in whom it was large, 
and who in other respects was a worthy and pious 
man, was remarkable for stealing pocket-handker- 
chiefs, pen-knives, books, and ladies' stockings, 
and indeed every thing portable, in the nature of 
property. It is large in Heaman, and small in 
Robert Bruce. 

9. SECRETIVENESS. 

Situated immediately above Destructiveness. Its 
function is the love of secrecy, and the ability to 
conceal. It may be applied in a great variety of 
ways, according to the dictate of the other facul- 
ties. When properly developed, it exercises a 
salutary restraint on the other faculties, and is in- 
dispensable to the formation of a prudent, cautious 
character. When largely developed, and not prop- 
erly balanced by the higher faculties, it leads to 
management, lying, duplicity and deceit. It has 
been found prominent in a large number of habitual 



26 

thieves. When properly controlled, it augments 
the efficiency of character. In Courts and Cabi- 
nets, it is a powerful engine. It is the diplomatist's 
sword and buckler. The fox, and several animals 
of the cat-kind, are remarkable for it. In some of 
the human race, it is almost their only power. In 
writing, it leads to irony. It is full in great actors. 
It gives a side-long glance, and a watchful look to 
the eye, and where large, inspires the individual 
with the desire to discover the designs of others, 
while he conceals his own. It is large in Ra- 
phael and Bruce, in the American Indians, and 
in the Hindoos. 

II. SENTIMENTS. 

10. SELF-ESTEEM. 

Situated at the vertex under the sagittal suture. 
Its function is Self-Esteem, or self-love in general. 
It imparts to the mind that degree of confidence in 
its own powers, which is essential to their success- 
ful application. When combined with the superior 
sentiments, and intellectual faculties, it contributes 
to true dignity and greatness of mind. A defi- 
ciency of it produces a want of personal confidence, 
and a proper estimate of what is due one's self. 
When too strong, it produces arrogance, conceit, 
pride, egotism and envy. The English have this 
organ fuller than the French. The turkey-cock, 
the peacock, and the horse have it strongly marked. 



27 

When the organ is morbidly excited, as in some 
cases of monomania, the individual is prone to im- 
agine himself a king, an emperor, a transcendent 
genius ; and even the Supreme Being himself. It 
is large in Haggart, in Dempsey, and in the Hin- 
doos, but small in the American Indians. 

11. LOVE OF APPROBATION. 

Situated on each side of Self-Esteem. Its func- 
tion is love of approbation, or applause. If di- 
rected to objects of importance, it becomes a lofty 
and noble ambition, and leads to corresponding ef- 
forts and achievements ; but when its objects are 
low and trivial, it degenerates into vanity, and 
leads to frivolity. It is more prominent in women, 
than in men. It is always large in bashful persons. 
It is very large in the dog, and the horse. Large 
in Bruce, and in the American Indian. 

12. CAUTIOUSNESS. 

Situated in front of No. 11. Its function is the sen- 
timent of circumspection, or impulse to take care. 
Regulated and sustained by the other faculties, this 
sentiment becomes prudence ; but if not thus mod- 
ified, it degenerates into irresolution, instability, 
doubt, demur. It is particularly large in children. 
The organ is large in Bruce, Raphael, and in the 
Hindoo. Small in Bellingham, and the Negro. 



28 

13. BENEVOLENCE. 

Situated at the central and upper part of the frontal 
bone, in the direction of the sagittal suture. Its 
function is the sentiment of kindness, connected 
with the desire of the happiness of others, and dis- 
poses to compassion, and to active benevolence. 
It communicates mildness and cheerfulness to the 
temper, and prompts to charity, in its various rela- 
tions. Dogs, horses, and monkeys, which have the 
organ full, are mild and pacific. It is depressed in 
all the ferocious tribes of animals, and also in na- 
tions remarkable for cruelty ; as the Charibs. 

The five following organs are proper to man, and 
constitute the line of demarcation between him and 
the inferior animals. 

14. VENERATION. 

Situated immediately behind, and adjoining Benev- 
olence. Its function produces the sentiment of re- 
spect, and reverence of superior beings, either hu- 
man or divine. It enters largely into the constitu- 
tion of a devoted Antiquary. It is also the chief 
element in filial piety. When the organ is large, 
and Self-Esteem small, humility is the result. Its 
existence shows that religion has a foundation in 
nature. The full development of the organ tends 
to produce baldness ; and it is asserted, that of any 
given number of men, of equal age, in a place of 



29 



public worship, those who are bald are the most 
devout. They kneel lower, and respond louder 
than others. 

15. HOPE. 

Situated on each side of Veneration. Its function 
produces the tendency to believe in the possibility 
of what the other faculties desire. It inspires with 
gay, fascinating and delightful emotions, painting 
futurity fair and smiling. It gilds and adorns ev- 
ery prospect with shades of enchanting excellence, 
while cautiousness hangs clouds and mists over 
distant objects. In religion, this faculty favors the 
exercise of faith, and disposes to a belief of a life to 
come. In short, it is the castle-builder's home, 
his heaven, his consolation in disappointment, his 
panacea for every evil. It is the cynosure to which 
his soul perpetually points. 

16. IDEALITY. 

Situated above 7 and 8. Its function is to give ex- 
quisiteness of feeling. It is the fountain of enthu- 
siasm, not only of the poet, but of the philosopher, 
the orator, the painter, the sculptor, the philan- 
thropist, and of the high-minded warrior. It is the 
organ of poetry, and confers a relish for this kind 
of composition on those who do not write. It gives 
refinement and taste. It communicates to elo- 



30 



quence its splendor and soul, and to conversation 
its highest charms and brilliancy. It gives a fond- 
ness for vivid description, and often a tendency to 
exaggeration. The organ is large in Raphael, Vol- 
taire, Wordsworth, Burke, and Haydon ; and is 
small in Hume, Bellingham, and in the New Hol- 
landers. 

17. CONSCIENTIOUSNESS. 

Situated behind No. 15. Its function is to give the 
sentiment of right and wrong, of unspotted justice, 
and pure morality. It commands the other facul- 
ties to the performance of their duty. Its strength 
is not always in proportion to that of the other fac- 
ulties. In men of feeble intellect, it is sometimes 
very powerful ; such men do their duty for con- 
science sake, and are delighted with the observ- 
ance of right, and disgusted with the doing of 
wrong. When the organ is small, the individual 
is prone to do an unprincipled action, if tempted 
by interest or inclination. He experiences a diffi- 
culty in perceiving the quality of justice, and in 
feeling its obligations. The organ is large in 
Hette, and small in Bruce, Bellingham, and Gib- 
son, and in most of the savage tribes. 

18. FIRMNESS. 

Situated at the upper and posterior part of the head, 
between Nos. 10 and 14. Its function is to give 



31 

firmness, constancy and perseverance. When 
powerfully developed, and not properly regulated 
by the other faculties, it produces obstinacy, stub- 
bornness, and infatuation. When weak, tne indi- 
vidual is prone to yield to the impulse of his feel- 
ings. If benevolence assumes the sway, he is all 
kindness ; if combativeness and destructiveness 
are forcibly excited, he falls headlong into passion, 
outrage, and violence. He finds great difficulty in 
pursuing any established line of action, and is prone 
to change. The organ is large in Bruce, and in the 
American Indian, and small in Gibson. 

III. INTELLECTUAL FACULTIES. 

19. INDIVIDUALITY. 

Situated in the middle of the lower part of the 
forehead. Its function is to give the faculty of 
practical observation, and the capacity to acquire 
knowledge in detached parcels, but not to put it 
well together. The possessor is full of matter for 
conversation and anecdote, but is a mere detailer 
of facts, which he seldom attempts to classify. He 
is a man of extensive information, rather than a 
profound philosopher. When the organ is full, and 
is aided by Comparison, it leads to personification, 
and to metaphorical writing, such as distinguished 
Bunyan. The organ w T as large in .Roscoe and Swift, 
and moderate in Voltaire and Haydon. 
6 



32 

20. FORM. 

Situated immediately under the root of the nose. 
Its full development gives breadth between the 
eyes. Its function is to give the faculty of distin- 
guishing form and figure. It was large in King 
George III., and is also large in the Chinese. 

21. SPACE. 

Situated above, and on each side of the root of the 
nose. Its function is the faculty to judge of size 
and space without reference to form. It imparts 
the power of perceiving and judging of perspective. 
It was large in Williams and Douglas, and small 
in Ferguson. 

22. WEIGHT, OR RESISTANCE. 

Situated contiguous to that of Form. It is largely 
developed in those who excel in archery and quoits, 
and in those who judge accurately of momentum 
and resistance in mechanics. It was large in Mac- 
lachlan. 

23. COLOR. 

Situated near the centre of each eye-brow, so that 
the full development of it gives to the brow a beau- 
tiful arch, or an angular direction upwards and lat- 



33 

erally. Its function is to distinguish, enjoy and 
mix colors. It is found in the portraits of Rubens, 
Rembrandt, Lorraine, etc. It is full in the Chinese. 

24. LOCALITY. 

Situated immediately above, and adjoining No. 21. 
Its function is a faculty to perceive, and judge of 
space and distance, and to remember and enjoy lo- 
calities. It produces a fondness for travelling, 
and constitutes a chief element, in the talent for 
topography, geography, astronomy, and landscape 
painting. It assists the traveller in finding his 
way to places he has visited, and gives to him an 
accurate and vivid recollection of them. This 
organ is very prominent in the casts of Columbus, 
Sir Isaac Newton, Galileo, and in Volney, and Sir 
Walter Scott. It is largely developed in the dog, 
and in other of the lower animals. 

25. ORDER. 

Situated adjoining 23. Its function is the per- 
ception and love of order, without regard to clas- 
sical arrangement. Those who have the organ 
large, cannot bear to see any thing out of its place. 
They are neat and precise in the arrangement of 
their wardrobe, library, household furniture, etc. 
It is full in Humboldt. 



34 

26. DURATION. 

Situated immediately above, and adjoining No. 23. 
Its function is a lively and accurate perception of 
abstract duration, and the lapse of time between 
one event and another. 

27. NUMBER. 

Situated immediately over the external angle of 
the eye. Its function is the power of calculation. 
It is full iu the bust of Newton, and is large in the 
portraits of La Place and Humboldt. 

28. TUNE. 

Situated immediately above No. 27. Its function 
is the love and enjoyment of music. The organ, 
when strongly developed, gives breadth to the 
face ; hence high powers of music are rarely con- 
nected with a narrow face. The masks of Handel, 
Haydn, Gluck, and Mozart, are distinguished by 
the full development of this organ. The heads of 
certain singing birds are also strongly marked. 

29. LANGUAGR 

Situated immediately under (lie eyes, rendering 
those organs prominent when fully developed. 
Great linguists have generally prominent, and 



35 

never sunken eyes. Its function gives a facility of 
acquiring and using language. Persons who have 
a great endowment of it, abound in words. Large 
in Humboldt and Voltaire. 

30. COMPARISON. 

Situated immediately above 19. Its function is the 
power and love of Comparison, and it gives the fa- 
cility of perceiving resemblances, similitudes and 
analogies. The individual who has it large, rea- 
sons by comparing one thing with another. It 
prompts to the invention and use of figurative lan- 
guage. It gives great power of illustration. It is 
the origin of proverbs. Lnrge in Pitt, Edwards, 
Burke, Curran, Hume, and in the Hindoos ; small 
in the Charibs. 

31. CAUSALITY. 

Situated on each side of 30. Its function is a 
talent for logical reasoning and inductive philoso- 
phy. It prompts to the investigation of causes and 
effects, and enables the individual to judge of the 
direct evidence of facts. A juryman, with large 
Individuality, and small Causality, will not be dis- 
posed to convict upon circumstantial evidence. 
While he, in whom Causality is large, will often 
feel that kind of proof to be irresistible. It in- 
duces to inquire why and wherefore. It gives the 



36 

power of analysis. It appears largely developed 
in the portraits and busts of Bacon, Locke, Frank- 
lin and Voltaire ; moderate in Pitt. It is larger 
in the English and Germans than in the French. 

32. wit. 

Situated on a line with No. 31. When large, it 
gives breadth to the upper part of the forehead. 
Its function is a quick perception of such analogies, 
as by their novelty, excite surprise and agreeable 
emotions. In the masks of Sterne, Shakspeare, 
Voltaire, etc., this organ is peculiarly striking. 

33. IMITATION. 

Situated on a line with number 13. The function 
of this organ is the love of imitation, and an apti- 
tude to practise it ; and hence persons who have 
it large, are qualified to become mimics, actors and 
painters. Large in Clara Fisher, and in Jervis. 

34. EVENTUALITY. 

This organ is situated immediately above and con- 
tiguous to individuality. When full, it gives a 
prominence to the middle and lower part of the 
forehead. Its function is remembering, and call- 
ing up past actions and events. It is prominent in 
children, and gives them an appetite for knowledge 



37 



in the form of stories, and renders them fond of nar- 
ration. It gives a talent for observing, and recol- 
lecting the events of which history is composed, 
and of telling the story of what we know. Event- 
uality and Individuality are often large in the same 
head, and confer on the individual two important 
qualities for general business ; a readiness of ob- 
servation and a talent for detail. They are gen- 
erally prominent in practising physicians, being 
brought out by the habit of accurate observation. 
Their full development is essential for the composi- 
tion of such works as Robinson Crusoe and Gulli- 
ver's Travels. 

35. SUPERNATURALITY, OR WONDER. 

Situated between Nos. 16 and 33. The function 
of this organ is to create a belief in the presence 
and agency of supernatural beings, and it produces 
a tendency to believe in inspirations. It begets a 
fondness for news, and particularly if extravagant. 
It produces the expression of surprise and astonish- 
ment in ordinary discourse, and a turning-up of the 
exterior angle of the eye-lashes. Such persons as 
have this organ large, do not distinguish between 
possibility and impossibility ; and this arises from 
the predominance of Supernaturality over Causality 
and Conscientiousness. 

In addition to the foregoing organs, it is as- 



38 

serted that there are several others, and their 
powers have been described by some of the later 
writers on Phrenology ; but their position has not 
been accurately ascertained. The following are of 
this class : 

VITATIVENESS, OR LOVE OF LIFE. 

As there is implanted in the human constitution 
a strong and universal desire of life, it is presumed 
that it has its seat in a separate and distinct organ 
of the brain. Though the desire is natural to 
man, and is universal, it glows with very different 
degrees of intensity in different persons. Some 
individuals desire life so intensely, that they regard 
death as the greatest of all calamities, and " are 
all their lifetime subject to bondage through fear 
of death ;" and the desire of living is so great as 
to prove a most powerful stimulus, and continues to 
sustain them, long after the physical energies of 
the system seem nearly exhausted. Other persons 
on the contrary, experience no such passion for 
life, and are ready to surrender it with scarcely a 
feeling of regret. Neither does it appear that 
this difference depends upon the degree of morality 
and religion which they possess. The organ, it is 
supposed, must be far more fully developed in the 
inhabitants of the United States and Great Britain, 
than in those of France and Spain ; as we hear of 
many suicides in the latter countries, where we 
have one in the former. 



Q 



9 



ALIMENTIVENESS, OR APPETITE FOR FOOD. 

This also is considered as a primitive power, and 
as having its appropriate organ in the brain. It is 
one of the earliest and most certainly developed of 
all the instincts of living beings ; for no sooner is 
the infant born, than it thrusts its fingers into its 
mouth, or cries for the mother's breast ; and 
scarcely is the chick out of the egg, than it pecks 
the grain that lies before it. The action of this 
organ enables the individual to distinguish what is 
useful for its nutrition, and when large, prompts to 
the sensual enjoyment of the palate. However 
questionable the existence of an appropriate cere- 
bral organ to preside over the appetite, certain it 
is, that a great difference exists among persons, as 
to their propensities to indulge in the banquet. 
Some persons seem to live mainly to eat and drink, 
and the gratifications of the appetite constitute 
with them the highest degree of earthly enjoyment, 
while others have but little desire for indulgences 
of this kind. Not many years since a gentleman 
who resided in a neighboring city possessed at all 
times so keen a relish for his food, that he was 
never known to be satisfied, even with the most 
sumptuous entertainment. A quarter of veal, or a 
pair of turkies, formed for him only a moderate re- 
past ; and yet so lean was his giant frame, that he 
used to wear false calves to his legs to conceal his 
deformity. And a gentleman who had his thigh 
7 



40 



amputated some years ago, in Philadelphia, it is 
said, sustained during the whole time of the ope- 
ration, an animated conversation upon the relative 
merits of the different dishes of good eating. 

Although the exact locality of the organs of Vi- 
tativeness and Alimentiveness have not been de- 
termined, it is conjectured that they will be found 
in close connection with Destructiveness and Ac- 
quisitiveness. And this seems plausible ; for it is 
natural to suppose that the organs whose func- 
tions give the desire of living, the enjoyment 
of living, and the disposition to pursue, acquire and 
slay, should be grouped together in the same re- 
gion of the brain ; but their position is not yet de- 
fined, nor are we told which of the thirty-five 
compartments, already delineated and established, 
are to give way in order to make room for the more 
recently discovered organs ; the whole brain being 
already appropriated. 

Having thus briefly described the different or- 
gans, their situation and powers, as laid down by 
the phrenologists, I shall call your attention to their 
combinations. 

Three rules have been laid down for estimating 
the influence of the difference in size, occurring in 
the organs of the same brain. 

First. Every faculty desires gratification, with 
a degree of energy, proportionate to the size of 
its organ ; and those faculties will be habitually 



41 

indulged, the organs of which are largest in the 
individual. 

For example : if all the animal organs are large, 
and all the organs of the moral sentiments and in- 
tellect are small, the individual will be naturally 
prone to animal indulgence in the highest degree. 

If, on the other hand, the organs of the moral 
sentiments and intellect greatly predominate, the 
individual will be naturally disposed to moral and 
intellectual pursuits. 

Second. Should it happen that several large an- 
imal organs are combined with a full development 
of several moral and intellectual organs, the rule 
then is, that the lower propensities will take their 
direction from the higher powers. 

Third. Where all the organs appear in nearly 
equal proportion to each other, so that the differ- 
ent powers are accurately balanced, the individual 
will exhibit opposite phases of character, according 
as the animal or moral and intellectual powers pre- 
dominate at the time ; and he will pass his life in 
alternately sinning and repenting. If the individ- 
ual, thus constituted, be brought under external in- 
fluences, they will operate powerfully upon him, 
and his conduct will be greatly modified by them. 

Fourth. The same may be said of the counter- 
acting and neutralizing influence of the individual 
organs on each other, as of that which appertains 
to the different groups. 

For example : if the organs of Combativeness 



42 

and Destructiveness are very full, and those of 
Veneration and Conscientiousness are also very 
full, the latter will so counteract and neutralize the 
former, that the individual may live all his days in 
quiet, and not once manifest the smallest disposi- 
tion to combat or murder. Or, if the organ of Ac- 
quisitiveness is large, and that of Benevolence is 
also very full, the two propensities being thus coun- 
terpoised, there may be no especial desire of accu- 
mulating wealth manifested, and as little of the 
spirit of liberal giving. And all the organs may be 
so accurately balanced, that the good shall exactly 
counteract the evil desires. 

It is, however, a doctrine of phrenology, that 
the temperament of the individual exerts a strong 
influence upon the action of the different organs, 
and groups of organs ; and consequently must be 
taken into the account, in judging of their activity 
and power, whatever combinations they may ex- 
hibit. 

Before I close this lecture, I must call your at- 
tention, for a moment, to another of the doctrines 
of phrenology, which should be understood, in order 
fully to appreciate the philosophy of the practical 
application of the science. I refer to what is called 
the natural language of the organs. 

This doctrine is, that the action of the phreno- 
logical organs tends to control the attitudes and 
movements of the body, as well as to modify the 
expressions. That the actions of the body will be in 



43 

the longitudinal direction of the organs. For exam- 
ple : if the action of Amativeness be strongly ex- 
cited, and especially if the organ be large, the head 
will be thrown backward, because the base of the 
organ is situated in the lower, and back part of the 
brain ; and which is the reason, also, that lovers 
are prone, as it is said, to bring the back part of 
their heads in contact, when they approach each 
other. 

Combativeness, when strongly excited, gives a 
sudden backward and lateral motion to the head. 

The proud man carries his head erect, because 
the organ of Self-esteem has its termination upon 
the superior part of the brain ; while he who is de- 
ficient in the development of this organ, inclines 
his head forward, in an humble attitude. 

The devout man bows his head forward, in order 
to present the organ of Veneration in the direction 
of the Deity in the heavens. 

The logician, when he reasons strongly, is prone 
to press his forehead with his index finger, because 
of the action going on in the organ of Causality, 
which is situated in the forehead. 

Preachers and advocates, when speaking with 
ambition, move the head in the line of Concentra- 
tiveness or Individuality, or directly backward and 
forward. 

Secretiveness, when the organ is full, gives a 
side-long glance and a watchful look to the eye. 

The organ of Self-esteem, when large in children, 



44 



causes them to mount on chairs and benches, to 
make themselves equal in height to grown persons ; 
and adults of small stature do the same, and keep 
their bodies erect, and have a proud gait. 

Those birds which have this organ large, delight 
in soaring on the wing in lofty flight, and build 
their nests in the most elevated situations. 

The chamois and goat, which take pleasure in 
climbing craggy and lofty cliffs, and to graze upon 
the mountain top, have the organ large. 



LECTURE II 



Gentlemen : 

Having, in my first lecture, exhibited to you the 
leading doctrines of phrenology, as found in the 
standard books upon the science, and as taught by 
the most eminent lecturers, my object on this occa- 
sion will be, to show how far the science is recon- 
cilable with the anatomical structure and organiza- 
tion of the brain, the cranium, and other parts 
concerned. 

I adopt this course from two considerations : 

1st. From a belief that the anatomy of the 
parts concerned, is the proper and indeed the only 
certain standard by which to ascertain its truth. 

2d. That the metaphysical arguments on the 
subject, while they have been urged with great 
power, have too often been evaded, and the public 
mind has not been enlightened, as to the real 
merits of phrenology, by the usual methods of 



46 



investigation. Even the lash of ridicule, under 
which it has generally been left to wither, has 
done but little in arresting its progress, or exposing 
its errors. 

The ground which phrenologists assume the 
right to occupy is so extensive, and the outlets for 
retreat are so numerous, that it is difficult to pre- 
sent an objection to the science, which cannot, 
upon the common principles of reasoning, be plau- 
sibly evaded. A few examples will illustrate the 
idea which I wish to convey. 

If an individual has a large head, and his mental 
manifestations are unusually powerful, the case is 
brought forward as a proof of the truth of phrenol- 
ogy ; but if the manifestations are feeble, it is said 
that the great size of the head is the result of dis- 
ease, or that the brain is not well organized, or 
that other circumstances have exerted an influence 
in diminishing its power. If a small head be con- 
nected with a powerful intellect, it only proves 
that the brain, though small, is well organized, and 
acts with uncommon energy. 

If an individual has a particular propensity 
strongly marked in his character, and there is no 
corresponding development of the brain, it is said 
that the organ has not been thrown out by indul- 
ging its desires ; but if there is a large develop- 
ment of an organ, and no corresponding propen- 
sity, then it is contended that the germ of the 
propensity is there, but that it has been repressed 



47 

by education, or other circumstances ; or it is found 
that some counteracting organ is fully developed 
which neutralizes the first. For example : if the 
organ of Covetousness is large, and the person has 
no uncommon love of gain, and the organ of Be- 
nevolence is also large, it is urged that the action 
of the one neutralizes that of the other. 

I have already mentioned that the temperament 
also is supposed to perform an important part in 
modifying the action of the different organs, and for 
which all due allowance is to be made. 

When all these fail in furnishing a satisfactory 
explanation, another method still more amusing is 
sometimes resorted to, in relieving phrenology 
from embarrassment. It may be illustrated by the 
following facts : 

There is a celebrated divine now living in Scot- 
land, equally distinguished for his amiable disposi- 
tion, his gigantic powers of mind, and the great 
moral influence which he exerts upon the Christian 
world. This individual, it is said, has the organ of 
Destructiveness very largely developed, and not 
having any counteracting organ very large, it is 
contended by those who are acquainted with the 
fact, that he manifests his inherent disposition to 
murder, by his mighty efforts to destroy vice and 
break down systems of error. In this way he grat- 
ifies his propensity to shed blood. 

By a recent examination of the skull of the cel- 
ebrated infidel Voltaire, it is found that he had the 
8 



48 

organ of Veneration developed to a very extraor- 
dinary degree. For him it is urged, that his ven- 
eration for the Deity was so great, his sensibility 
upon the subject of devotion so exquisite, that he 
became shocked and disgusted with the irreverence 
of even the most devout Christians, and that out of 
pure respect and veneration for the Deity, he at- 
tempted to exterminate the Christian religion from 
the earth. 

Other explanations, as much at variance with 
truth and common sense, are resorted to in carry- 
ing out the system. 

Allowing, therefore, to phrenologists the lati- 
tude they claim, it would seem impossible to pre- 
sent a case so contradictory to their principles as 
not to admit of prompt and plausible explanation. 

It is such considerations as these that have in- 
duced me to attempt an examination of the princi- 
ples of phrenology, on other than metaphysical 
grounds, or its practical application to individual 
cases. 

In pursuing the investigation I shall inquire ; 

I. How far phrenology is sustained by the 
structure and organization of the brain. 

II. How far facts justify the opinion that there 
is an established relation between the volume of 
the brain and the powers of the mind. 

III. How far it is possible to ascertain the vol- 
ume of the brain in the living subject, by measure- 
ment or observation. 



49 

IV. How far it is possible to ascertain the rel- 
ative degree of development of the different parts 
of the brain, by the examination of the living 
head. 

V. Notice a few facts which have been used in 
support of phrenology, and conclude with some 
general remarks. 

I. How far is phrenology sustained by the 
structure and organization of the brain ? 

The brain is that soft, plastic substance, which 
is contained in the cavity of the cranium. Its 
weight is computed to average, in the adult, about 
three and a half pounds, greatly varying, however, 
in different heads, and in those of nearly the same 
size. It is developed at an earlier period than 
most other organs, being larger in proportion to the 
size of the body, the younger the individual. Ac- 
cording to the researches of Tiedeman, it acquires 
its full size at the age of eight ; and Wenzel and 
Soemmering state, that at a still earlier period it ac- 
quires the size and weight which it will retain 
through life. It is invested by three membranes, 
the duramater, the tunica arachnoidea, and piama- 
ter. The former of these is thick, dense, and 
opake, the two latter extremely thin and transpa- 
rent. It is divided by a horizontal membrane, the 
tentorium, into the cerebrum and cerebellum, the 
latter being connected with the former by an aper- 
ture in the tentorium, near its centre. The cere- 
brum is divided into two hemispheres, the right and 



50 

left, by a deep longitudinal fissure, in which the 
falx of the duramater is situated. 

Upon removing the duramater, there are exhib- 
ited to the eye, numerous convolutions, rendered 
distinct by grooves which separate them to a greater 
or less depth ; but these convolutions do not, in 
any respect, correspond in form, size, or position, 
with the bases of the phrenological organs as 
mapped out upon the figured skull. Phrenologists 
do not pretend that there is any relation between 
the one and the other. 

The brain, when divided by incision, presents 
two substances, different in color and texture : the 
cortical or pulpy portion which forms the external 
part, and is of an ash color ; and the medullary or 
fibrous portion which forms the central part, and is 
of a beautiful white, and is fibrous in its structure. 
It is the external portion of the brain with its con- 
volutions, which is considered by phrenologists as 
the seat of the mental functions. 

The brain is more vascular than almost any other 
part of the body. By some anatomists it has been 
computed that one-fifth, and by others that one- 
tenth, of all the blood of the body is dispensed to 
this organ ; while the brain in weight is seldom 
equal to one-fortieth of the whole body. It is sup- 
plied principally by the carotid and vertebral arte- 
ries. 

Neither the cortical nor fibrous part of the brain 
reveals, upon dissection, any of those compartments 



51 



or organs, upon the existence of which the main fab- 
ric of phrenology is based. No such divisions have 
been discovered by the eye or the microscope. 
The most common observation is sufficient to show 
that there is not the slightest indication of such a 
structure. Indeed no phrenologist, after all the in- 
vestigations which have been made upon the sub- 
ject, from the first dawn of the science to the 
present time, not even Gall and Spurzheim them- 
selves, venture to assert that such divisions of the 
brain have been discovered ; and yet they insist that 
such organs do exist. 

The fact of the existence of the horizontal mem- 
brane, called the tentorium, separating the supe- 
rior from the inferior part of the brain, as well as 
the arrangement of the lateral ventricles, the corpus 
callosum, the fornix, and other parts, clearly show 
the absurdity of the idea of organs as described by 
phrenologists. The notion then of the division of 
the brain into phrenological organs is entirely hy- 
pothetical, is not sustained by dissection, and is 
utterly inconsistent with its whole formation. 

These facts are perfectly well known, and are 
universally admitted by all anatomists. See plates 
III. j VI., with the explanations. 

II. How far do facts justify the opinion that 
there is an established relation between the volume 
of the brain and the powers of the mind ? 

This inquiry involves one of the fundamental 
principles of phrenology ; and while pursuing the 



52 

subject, it is proper to remark, that the phrenolo- 
gist would escape from the consequences of the 
doctrine, that the volume of the brain is the meas- 
ure of the mind, by placing the issue upon the rel- 
ative development of the different regions of the 
brain, and not upon the volume of the brain as a 
whole. If the man of strong intellectual powers, 
for example, has an ample forehead, the man dis- 
tinguished for his moral and religious qualities, has 
the superior region of the cranium large and tower- 
ing, and the man of strong animal propensities, has 
the back and lower part of the head large and pro- 
truding, the developments are said to accord with 
the principles of phrenology, although the head be 
ever so small. This position often proves a secure 
retreat for the manipulator, especially as the lines 
of demarcation which are made to separate the dif- 
ferent families of organs from each other, are in- 
definite and variable in their position, and conse- 
quently may be drawn where best suits the case 
under examination. If the forehead happens to be 
stinted in its dimensions, and the individual still 
has a powerful intellect, it is only necessary to 
throw back the line which separates the intellec- 
tual organs from those of the moral faculties, so as 
to allow the former to encroach upon the region of 
the latter, and the whole difficulty is removed. 
Upon the same principle, the organs of the moral 
faculties may invade the region assigned to the in- 
tellectual organs, or the animal propensities may 



53 

usurp the dominion of the moral faculties, as the 
circumstances of the case may require. So by 
drawing the boundary lines of the different regions 
of the cranium farther forward or backward, the 
principle is adapted to the case and the case to the 
principle. By this course, the phrenologist changes 
his position, and attempts to evade the legitimate 
consequences of his doctrine ; and cases where in- 
dividuals were remarkable for the diminutive size 
of the head, but were distinguished for power of 
mind, have been brought forward, not only as 
consistent with phrenology, but as evidence of its 
truth. But all this neither changes the ground of 
the argument, nor relieves us from the necessity of 
regarding the whole brain as the measure of the 
whole mind. 

" If," says Mr. Combe, " we take two heads, in 
sound health, of similar age, in each of which sev- 
eral organs are similar in their proportions, but the 
one of which is large and the other small, and if 
the preponderance of power of manifestation is not 
in favor of the first, then phrenology must be aban- 
doned as destitute of foundation/' 

In this declaration, it is evident that Mr. 
Combe intended to embrace the whole brain, as 
the index of the whole mind ; for the position is as 
clearly stated as if he had said, take two heads in 
sound health, of the same age and shape, but the one 
of which is large and the other small, and if the men- 
tal power is not greater in the large head, than in 



54 

the small one, then phrenology must be abandoned 
as destitute of foundation. 

The doctrine then that the volume of the brain 
is the gauge which determines the mental power, 
is not only admitted by phrenology, but is the great 
fundamental principle upon which it is based. It 
is the main pillar upon which the whole fabric rests. 
Strike this out and the structure falls to the 
ground ; annihilate it and " phrenology must be 
abandoned as destitute of foundation." Conse- 
quently he who evades the principle or substitutes 
any thing in its place, is chargeable with striking 
a blow at the foundation of the science. No matter 
whether he does this by allowing one brain a better 
organization than another, a greater proportion of 
neurine, a larger extent of peripheral surface, a 
higher degree of sensibility, or a more energetic 
action ; in whatever way he accomplishes the ob- 
ject he saps the main foundation ; for if a small 
brain can be made to perform its mental functions 
with as much power as a brain of larger size differ- 
ently constituted and endowed, volume is no longer 
the index of power, and " phrenology must be 
abandoned as destitute of foundation. " 

If the volume of the brain then is to be taken as 
the measure of the mental power, it is important to 
know whether its absolute or relative size is in- 
tended to be understood. If the former, then men 
of small stature must generally rank as inferior in 
intellectual power, to men of large size ; and 



55 

phrenology has also to contend with the fact, that 
the whale, the elephant, and several other animals 
of the lower order, have a larger brain than man, 
while their intellect is inferior. 

If the relative size of the brain be intended, then 
it is necessary to know with what it is to be com- 
pared ; whether with the dimensions of the face, 
the size and length of the neck, with the size of 
the spinal marrow, the cerebral nerves, or with the 
volume of the whole body. Upon this point, phre- 
nologists have not been explicit. 

The difficulty of instituting an accurate compar- 
ison of the brain with the first four of them, seems 
likely to prevent either from becoming the stand- 
ard ; and the great variations to which the body is 
liable from different causes, losing, as it sometimes 
does, nearly half its volume, while the brain re- 
mains the same, renders this not a more certain 
criterion. Some facts, however, seem to have af- 
forded the inference, that the volume of the brain 
as compared with the size of the body, is to be 
taken as the measure of the mental power ; and 
just as we descend in the scale of intellectual ex- 
istence, from man through the various tribes of an- 
imals, it is said, the brain will be found to be di- 
minished in size, according to this standard. But 
the investigations of Haller, Wrisberg, Soemmering, 
Blumenbach, Cuvier, and other anatomists, show 
this conclusion to be erroneous, and prove by ac- 
tual experiment, that it has no foundation in nature. 
9 



56 

A summary of the result of Cuvier's investiga- 
tions upon this subject, is presented in the follow- 
ing table. 

He considers the brain in man, in proportion to 
his body as one to thirty ; and though it might 
with more propriety have been calculated as one 
to forty or fifty, the relative proportion between 
man and the lower animals is no less certainly as- 
certained. 

Man, . . . .1:30 

MONKEYS. 



Gibbon, 


• . * 


1:48 


Saimiri, 


. 


1:22 


Sai, 


... 


1:25 


Ouistiti, 


... 


1:28 


Coaita, 


. 


1:41 


Young Malbrook, 


1:24 


Callitriche, . 


. 


1:41 


Mone, . 


. 


1:44 


Mongabey, . 


QUADRUPEDS. 


1:48 


Mole, 


» • • 


1:36 


Dogs, different 


species, from 1:47 to 


1:305 


Cat, 


from 1:82 to 


1:156 


Beaver, 


• • • 


1:290 


Kat, 


• • • 


1:76 



57 



Mouse, 


. 


1:43 


Field mouse, 


. . • 


1:31 


Elephant, 


. 


1:500 


Sheep, . 


from 1:192 to 


1:351 


Ox, . 


... 


1:860 


Horse, . 


. 


1:400 


CETACEOUS ANIMALS. 




Dolphin, 


from 1:25 to 1:102 


Porpoise, 


BIRDS. 


1:903 


Eagle, 


• > • 


1:260 


Goose, . 


... 


1:360 


Cock, 


... 


1:25 


Sparrow, 


. 


1:25 


Canary birds, 


REPTILES. 


1:14 


Land turtle, 


. 


1:2240 


Frog, . 


FISHES. 


1:170 


Shark, 


... 


1:2496 


Carp, 


. 


1:560 



This table shows that four species of the mon- 
key, the dolphin, and three kinds of birds, the 
canary bird, sparrow, and cock, exceed man in the 



58 

proportion of the brain to the body ; and that va- 
rious other animals are nearly on a level with him. 

Nor does the argument in favor of a regular gra- 
dation of intellect, according to the size of the 
brain, hold good, in a comparison of the lower an- 
imals with each other ; their intellectual capacities 
not being in proportion of the brain to the body. 
This fact is shown by the table of Cuvier. 

The doctrine, therefore, that man owes his intel- 
lectual superiority to an excess of brain, derives no 
support from his comparison with the lower ani- 
mals ; nor does it appear, from observation, that 
this is the source of the diversity of intellectual ca- 
pacity, which distinguishes individuals of the hu- 
man species from each other. 

Professor Warren, of Boston, who has probably 
enjoyed as great opportunities for dissecting the 
brain of literary and intellectual men of high grade, 
and of comparing these with the brain of men in 
the lower walks of life, as any anatomist of our 
country, if not of the age, says, as the result of his 
experience on this subject, that in some instances, 
it appeared that a large brain had been connected 
with superior mental powers, and that the reverse 
of this was true in about an equal number. One 
individual who was most distinguished for the vari- 
ety and extent of his native talent, says Dr. War- 
ren, had, it was ascertained after death, an uncom- 
monly small brain. 

I might accumulate testimony of this description 



59 

to an almost unlimited extent, but I will not detain 
you ; and will only observe that, after a careful 
investigation of the subject, I feel authorized to 
say, that the experience of eminent anatomists of 
all times and countries, who have paid attention 
to the subject, will be found in strict accordance 
with that of Doctor Warren. 

The whole of the argument therefore, in favor of 
the volume of the brain being the measure of the 
mental power, rests for its support upon mere analo- 
gy, and upon analogy the most vague and uncertain. 
A large muscle, say the phrenologists, other con- 
ditions being equal, will possess more power than 
a small one, and a large liver will secrete more 
bile than a small one ; therefore a large brain must 
possess more power than one of smaller size. To 
render this analogy at all applicable, there should 
be a similarity of structure and of function. And 
when has it been made to appear that the brain is 
muscular in its texture, and performs its mental 
functions by the process of contraction and relaxa- 
tion, or that it is a secreting organ, and elaborates 
thought as the liver does bile from the blood ? Or 
that it is a galvanic battery, and thought the fluid 
eliminated by its action ? 

The various organs of the body in carrying on 
their physical functions, it should be remembered, 
act upon matter, and the product of their action is 
material also. The brain in performing the func- 
tions of the mind, does not act upon matter, and 



60 

the product is immaterial and spiritual. What an- 
alogy is there therefore, between the functions of 
the brain, the instrument of the immaterial and im- 
mortal mind, and an organ which secretes bile or 
gastric juice ? We may institute a comparison be- 
tween one physical function and another, but to 
compare physical with intellectual function, is un- 
philosjphical and absurd. First let us ascertain 
how the brain performs the functions of the mind, 
and then it will be time to draw comparisons be- 
tween the action of this and the other organs of the 
body. For aught that physiology has discovered, 
the functions of the mind are performed upon a 
principle which renders a small brain as perfect 
an instrument for its use, as one of large size. 

But, for the sake of argument, let us for the 
time concede this point, and suppose, with phre- 
nologists, that there is an established relation be- 
tween the volume of the brain and the powers of 
the mind, and then inquire : 

III. How far it is possible to ascertain the vol- 
ume of the brain in the living subject, by measure- 
ment or observation. 

This inquiry, like the preceding, involves one 
of the fundamental principles of phrenology. 

" By a knowledge of both," (phrenology and cra- 
niology) says a distinguished writer upon this sci- 
ence, " the experienced phrenologist is enabled to 
judge of the natural amount and general character 
of the intellects of individuals, from an inspection 
of their heads." 



61 

And, first, by what means are we to ascertain the 
volume of the brain ? 

Phrenologists have provided two instruments for 
this purpose, viz : the craniometer and callipus. 

The former of these is the instrument principally 
in use, and by it we are told that we can not only 
measure the volume of the brain, but determine also 
the size of the individual organs. 

It consists of a brass semicircle, connected at the 
extremities, with two horizontal bars, terminating 
in a small knob to be placed in the external open- 
ing of each ear. By this means, while the semi- 
circle remains fixed at its extremities, its circum- 
ference moves freely backward and forward. At- 
tached to this, is a sliding graduated scale, which 
is easily brought in contact with any part of the 
surface of the head. By this instrument, it is pre- 
sumed that the exact size of the head can be ascer- 
tained ; and as all the phrenological organs are 
supposed to commence at the medulla oblongata, 
or top of the spinal marrow, which, being nearly on 
a line with the two horizontal bars that pass into 
the external ear, the length of each organ, it is 
said, can be accurately ascertained. 

Now, allowing all this to be philosophical, it is 
evident that in order to render this instrument 
availing, the integuments of the head and the walls 
of the cranium must be of a uniform thickness in 
all persons ; or that we must possess some means 
of determining the degree of deviation from this 
principle. 



62 

In childhood, both the integuments of the head 
and the walls of the cranium are thin and delicate ; 
in the adult they are thicker, but in old age they 
are again diminished in thickness. There is also 
some difference in the two sexes ; the male, as a 
general rule, having the thicker skull. There are, 
however, frequent exceptions to this principle. 

But besides the change which occurs at the dif- 
ferent periods of life, and the difference which usu- 
ally marks the two sexes, there is often a great 
diversity in the thickness of the integuments and 
the skull, in different persons of the same age, sex, 
and condition, and of which we have no means of 
judging in the living subject. This fact I have 
verified by numerous dissections. 

I here exhibit a number of drawings, made from 
skulls in my possession, which illustrate some of 
the points that I wish to establish. - 

Plates II., VI., represent sections of different 
skulls, made by passing a saw through them hori- 
zontally, about one inch above the superciliary 
ridge in the frontal, and the same distance above 
the crucial ridge in the occipital region. These 
delineations were made from nature, by an eminent 
artist ; are fac similes, and represent the skull pre- 
cisely, in form and thickness. 

Plate II., fig. i., represents, by a horizontal sec- 
tion, the skull of a sturdy, athletic waterman, who 
was drowned in the Potomac. It is scarcely the 
eighth of an inch in thickness, though it is firm, 



63 



compact, and in every respect healthy in its 
structure. 

Fig. 2, in the same plate, represents, by a hori- 
zontal section, the skull of a young and once beau- 
tiful female, who came to this city from a neighbor- 
ing state, fell into bad company, abandoned the 
paths of virtue, and died in abject poverty. It is 
nearly twice the thickness of the former, and is 
well organized and healthy in its appearance. 

Here we have two skulls from healthy individu- 
als in the vigor of life, the one a male, and the 
other a female ; and, to render the contrast more 
striking, the skull of the female is twice the thick- 
ness of that of the male. Where is the phrenolo- 
gist, however experienced, who by the delicacy of 
his touch, the keenness of his eye, and aided by 
his craniometer, could have pronounced, that the 
sturdy waterman had a skull scarcely the eighth, 
while that of the female was at least one fourth of 
an inch in thickness, and been able to make due al- 
lowance, and to ascertain the relative volume of 
the brain in each ? 

Plate III. represents, by a vertical section, a 
skull kindly furnished me by Doctor Smith, Profes- 
sor of Surgery in the University of Maryland. The 
subject was an adult male. It is thick and very 
compact, and well organized. It also presents a 
lateral view of the surface of the brain with its con- 
volutions. 

Plate IV. represents, by a vertical section, an 
10 



64 



adult male skull from the cabinet of Professor 
Smith. It averages nearly one inch in thickness, 
and appears in every respect healthy and natural. 
It also exhibits the arrangement of the phreno- 
logical organs, as commencing at the top of the 
spinal marrow and radiating towards the surface of 
the brain. 

Plate V. represents, by a vertical section, the 
cast of a skull which is from the cabinet of Spurz- 
heim. It was kindly procured and sent me by Pro- 
fessor Warren of Boston. 

The crania delineated in plates III., IV., V., 
which exhibit the vertical section, were prepared 
for the engraver, by passing the saw through them 
perpendicularly, on one side of the median line. 

The history of the intellectual character of the 
individuals whose crania are here delineated, I shall 
not detail, as the only object of introducing them 
is, to show the natural and insurmountable obsta- 
cles which exist in ascertaining the amount of brain 
by the measurement or inspection of the living 
head. Such a history would be entirely irrelevant, 
as it could in no way aid the phrenologist in his ex- 
amination. 

The difference in their thickness furnishes im- 
pressive evidence of the impossibility of ascertain- 
ing the volume of the brain by the rules of phre- 
nology. 

Besides the crania delineated in these plates, I 
have in my possession a large number, exhibiting 



65 

every intermediate degree of thickness, from that 
of the sturdy waterman to the cast of Spurzheim. 

But in order to render this part of the investiga- 
tion more satisfactory and conclusive, I have institu- 
ted a series of experiments, in order to ascertain 
the exact amount of brain in the skull, compared 
with its external dimensions. These experiments 
were made under the immediate inspection and by 
the assistance of Dr. Thomas P. Jones of this city, 
and Professor William Ruggles of the Columbian 
College ; gentlemen whose high scientific charac- 
ter ensures the utmost accuracy in the results. I 
am much indebted to these gentlemen for the aid 
they have afforded me. In the first series of ex- 
periments, we ascertained the volume of each brain, 
the skull included ; in the second series, the vol- 
ume of the brain alone, or the capacity of the cer- 
ebral cavity. 

Then, in order to render the difference in capa- 
city more obvious, the volume of each skull, the 
brain included, was reduced to the dimensions of 
seventy fluid ounces. 

This table shows the result of these experiments, 
as extended to five of the skulls delineated in the 
plates. 



Vol. skull, br. included. 


Vol. brain. 


Plate II. fig. 1, 70 oz. 


56.22 oz. 


" fig. 2, " 


51.72 


III. 


46.21 


IV. 


34.79 


V. 


25.33 



66 

In five skulls therefore, of the same external di- 
mensions, we have a difference in the amount of 
brain between 



I and II. 


of 


4.50 oz. 


I " III. 


a 


10.01 


I " IV. 


a 


21.43 


I " V. 


a 


31.89 



In this computation we have a difference in the 
volume of brain, contained in two skulls of the 
same external dimensions, of 31.89 ; something 
more than one half. These experiments have been 
extended to a great variety of crania, not here de- 
lineated, which confirm the above estimate, and 
show that the external dimensions of the skull fur- 
nish no indication of the amount of brain. 

I hold it then to be clearly established, that no 
phrenologist, however experienced, can, by an in- 
spection of the living head, ascertain whether an 
individual has a skull of one inch, or one eighth of 
an inch in thickness ; nor whether he has 56.22 
ounces of brain in volume, or only 25.33 ounces. 

With the result of these experiments before you, 
gentlemen, I leave you to estimate the value of 
phrenology as a practical science, in determining 
the powers of the human intellect. 

But we will pass on to inquire : 

IV. How far it is practicable to ascertain the 
degree of development of the different parts of the 



67 

brain, by measurement or examination of the living 
head. 

And here permit me again to call to your recol- 
lection the fundamental doctrine already stated, 
" that by a knowledge of phrenology and craniol- 
ogy, the experienced phrenologist is enabled to 
judge of the natural amount and general character 
of the intellects of individuals from an inspection 
of their heads. " The amount of intellect being 
estimated by the size of the head, while its char- 
acter is determined by the form. 

In the investigation of this part of the subject, 
we shall find that anatomy interposes numerous 
obstacles to the practical phrenologist, the more 
important of which I shall briefly notice. 

1. Of the frontal sinuses. These are cavities 
situated in the anterior and lower portion of the 
frontal bone. To show the manner in which they 
are formed, it is proper to state, that the bones of 
the skull are composed of two tables, external and 
internal ; and that these are united by an inter- 
vening lattice work of bony matter, called diploe. 
In some parts of the skull, this diploic structure is 
absent ; the two tables recede from each other, 
and cavities of greater or less extent are thereby 
created. It is in this manner that the frontal 
sinuses are formed. 

Plate VI. represents, by a horizontal section, 
the skull of an individual whom I well knew. He 
was an athletic, laboring man, who became intern- 



68 

perate, and died at the age of thirty. During his 
life, I frequently remarked, that he had what 
would be called by phrenologists, a fine head for 
the perceptive faculties. His eye was deeply 
ensconsed under a full projecting brow, and the 
organs of Form, Size, Weight, Color, Order, Num- 
ber, Eventuality, Individuality and Comparison 
were uncommonly well developed. His Locality 
was enormous. We should, upon the principles of 
phrenology, have pronounced him a Rubens in 
painting, a Humboldt in arrangement, and in Form, 
Size, and Weight, a Wren, a Douglas or a Simp- 
son. The development of his Comparison, Even- 
tuality and Individuality, would have placed him 
by the side of Dean Swift and the Earl of Chat- 
ham ; and his Locality represented him as quite 
equal to Columbus, Newton, Volney and Sir Wal- 
ter Scott. 

But what do we find upon an examination after 
death ? We discover the frontal sinuses to extend 
over the organs of Eventuality, Individuality, 
Form, Size, Weight, Color, Locality, Order, Time 
and Comparison 3 the two tables of bone, separa- 
ted in some points at the distance of an inch, and 
the intervening cavities so capacious as to measure 
one and a half fluid ounces. 

This plate shows the form, size, and situation of 
the frontal sinuses, by a horizontal section of the 
skull. 

So far, then, from the great apparent develop- 



69 

merit of these organs being occasioned by a for- 
ward protrusion of the anterior lobes of the brain, 
the projection was caused by the receding of the 
outer from the inner table of the skull, in the for- 
mation of the frontal sinuses, and the brain is dis- 
covered to be actually very deficient in its anterior 
portion. 

I need scarcely observe, that no one presumes 
to distinguish between that projection which is 
caused by the full development of the anterior 
lobes of the brain, and that occasioned by the ex- 
istence of the frontal sinuses. 

Here, then, are ten of the organs, of which 
no correct judgment can be formed, as to the de- 
gree of their development in the living head. 
From the large frontal sinuses, delineated in this 
plate, I have skulls in which they are seen of 
almost every intermediate size, to those which 
measure only a few grains. 

2. The temporal muscle. This is one of the 
principal muscles of mastication, and from its situ- 
ation necessarily conceals a number of the phreno- 
logical organs. It arises from the temporal ridge, 
which is in the form of an arch, as it passes over 
the frontal, parietal and occipital bones, and covers 
a large part of the lateral portion of the cranium. 
Its fibres, as they descend from its origin, con- 
verge, the muscle becoming thicker till it passes 
under the zigomatic process of the temporal bone, 
to be inserted into the coronoid process of the 



70 

lower jaw. This muscle is very various in volume, 
in different persons, being in some twice the thick- 
ness that we find it in others. It covers wholly, 
or in part, the organs of Destructiveness, Con- 
structiveness, Acquisitiveness, Secretiveness, Cau- 
tiousness, Ideality, Number, and Tune. Of the 
degree of development of these organs, therefore, 
it is evident we can form no correct estimate, by an 
examination of the living head. 

By means of the frontal sinuses and temporal 
muscle alone, therefore, we find eighteen out of 
the thirty-five organs beyond the reach of observa- 
tion. 

3. Let us next ascertain whether the skull is in 
every part of the same thickness, and whether the 
two tables, of which it is composed, are every 
where parallel to each other. 

To say nothing of the numerous ridges and 
grooves which are exhibited upon the internal sur- 
face of the cranium, and which vary much in size, 
and somewhat also in position, the two tables are 
not every where parallel ; consequently, the skull 
is not of uniform thickness in every part, and this 
want of uniformity varies in different heads. I can 
show numerous examples in which there is a 
marked protuberance externally, but no corres- 
ponding concavity within. In one skull, we have 
the organ of Philoprogenitiveness very full, but it is 
occasioned only by an increased thickness of the 
bone at this part. In others, the organ of Causality 



71 

is very prominent, but so far from finding a corres- 
ponding concavity within, the inner table presents a 
plain surface ; and there are frequently considera- 
ble depressions within, where the corresponding 
surface without, does not exhibit the slightest pro- 
jection. It is also true, that there are scarcely any 
two skulls which exhibit the same relative thick- 
ness in different parts. This is obvious from an 
examination of the accompanying plates. 

No phrenologist, therefore, who discovers a pro- 
tuberance on the skull, can determine whether it 
is caused by a fulness of the brain, at that part, or 
an increased thickness of the bone. 

4. The great number and diminutive size of the 
organs, as represented in the figured head, pre- 
sent a serious obstacle to the phrenologist, in 
ascertaining their fulness as well as their actual 
position. 

In the forehead, there are no less than fourteen 
pairs of organs, huddled together in the compass 
of a few square inches ; a space scarcely equal in 
extent to that appropriated to a single pair of or- 
gans belonging to the department of the propensi- 
ties, or that of the moral sentiments, and all con- 
cealed by the frontal bone. 

You have asked, gentlemen, if the specimens of 
crania delineated in the plates, were not extreme 
cases, of irregular structure, and to be regarded as 
exceptions to the general rule. I have already 
stated, that I possess skulls of every intermediate 
11 



72 

degree of thickness, from that of the waterman, to 
the cast of Spurzheim ; and those, also, which ex- 
hibit the frontal sinuses from the size represented 
in plate VI., to those which are scarcely percept- 
ible ; and, by visiting the different anatomical cab- 
inets of our country, the same variations will be 
seen in abundance. But, admit these specimens 
to be of irregular structure, and to form exceptions 
to any general rule, which the phrenologist may 
establish for his guide, and the admission is fatal to 
the pretensions of the practical phrenologist. The 
existence of a single exception to the general rule, 
as to the thickness of the skull, and the size of the 
frontal sinuses, presents an insuperable objection 
to the science ; unless the phrenologist can point 
out some means of ascertaining, in the living sub- 
ject, when such exception exists. 

How is the phrenologist to know, when measur- 
ing the head, whether the skull is thick or thin, 
whether the frontal sinuses are large or small, and 
whether the protuberances which he finds on the 
head represent corresponding developments of the 
brain, or are occasioned by an increased thickness 
of the skull, at the places where they exist ? 

5. In estimating the mental power of the dif- 
ferent phrenological organs from their development, 
much stress is laid upon the extent of their peri- 
pheral surface. The convolutions which mark the 
cortical portion of the brain, say the phrenologists, 
appear intended to increase the superficial extent 



73 

of this organ with the least possible augmentation 
of its absolute size. 

Now as the extent of the peripheral surface of 
the organs, depends not less upon the number and 
size of the convolutions, and the depth of the fis- 
sures which separate them, than on the amount of 
cerebral matter which they contain, how are we to 
judge of their power from the cranial protube- 
rances, since we can ascertain nothing of the num- 
ber and size of the convolutions, and the depth of 
the fissures in the living subject. Besides some of 
the convolutions are so situated as to form a part 
of different organs, and some of the organs neces- 
sarily embrace a portion of several convolutions, 
all differing in size, and in the depth of their 
fissures. If then we are to judge of the power of 
the mental manifestations of an organ from the ex- 
tent of its peripheral surface, as well as from the 
quantity of cerebral matter which it contains, it 
would require the most exact mathematical meas- 
urement of the convolutions and fissures as well as 
the analysis of the chemist, to come at the truth. 
Since we can ascertain nothing of these anatomical 
arrangements of the brain in the living head, we 
consequently can form no estimate of the power 
of an organ, from any prominence or depression of 
the cranium. 

Again, some of the phrenologists have insisted 
not so much upon the volume of the organs as the 
index of their mental power, as upon the propor- 



74 

tion of neurine or nervous matter which they con- 
tain, admitting the fact that different brains of the 
same size, contain different proportions of this ele- 
ment. And how are we to ascertain in the living 
subject, the proportion of neurine, which enters 
into the composition of the brain, or that of its in- 
dividual organs ? Here the phrenologist would open 
new avenues by which to escape, when he finds 
that the power or character of the mind does not 
correspond with the size and shape of the head. 
But by attempting thus to extricate himself, he 
only becomes more deeply involved in absurdity 
and contradiction, for admitting the principles here 
laid down to be correct, what a perfect imposition 
to pretend to ascertain the qualities of the mind 
by an examination of the superfices of the cra- 
nium, where the structure and organization of the 
brain cannot also be inspected. 

Will the phrenologist inform us by what process 
he has been enabled to find out the amount of neu- 
rine which entered into the composition of the 
brain of Cicero, Dr. Johnson and Sir James Mack- 
intosh, and show us how we can measure the pe- 
ripheral surface of the brain of Daniel Webster 
and Lord Brougham. Until this be done we can 
repose no great confidence in his feats, at reading 
the heads of the ancient philosophers, heroes and 
statesmen, nor in his skill in revealing the charac- 
ter of living men by an inspection of the exterior 
of the head. 



75 

V. I will now ask your attention to a few other 
facts which bear upon this subject, together with 
some general remarks. 

1. It has already been observed, that phrenol- 
ogy makes the powers of the mind, other things 
being equal, commensurate with the volume of the 
brain. This is one of the fundamental principles 
upon which it is based. 

I do not deny that there is a difference in the 
natural capacities of men, some individuals being 
endowed with stronger, quicker, and clearer minds 
than others ; but I am far from admitting that this 
difference depends on the amount of brain, or that 
the development of the mind in the progress of 
life is to be determined by the increased size of 
the head. If we look around upon the intellec- 
tual world, we shall find as many men distin- 
guished for intellectual power, with a head of a 
small or medium size, and as many with a large 
head possessing a feeble intellect, as the reverse 
of these ; and had phrenology, in its commence- 
ment, received a different direction, and had a 
small head, in conformity with the preference of 
Aristotle, been made the standard of perfection, it 
would doubtless have enlisted as many zealous and 
confident advocates as are now found in its ranks. 
It is not the volume of the brain which determines 
the power of the human intellect. Neither facts 
nor analogy sustain the proposition. Men of the 
greatest physical power have not often the largest 



76 

muscles. This is remarkably true of great run- 
ners, wrestlers, and boxers ; and the same obser- 
vations apply with equal force to brute animals. 
There appears to be far more depending on the 
organization and action of parts, in conferring 
power, than on the mere volume. 

It has been admitted by a distinguished writer 
upon phrenology, that the intellect of idiots, where 
the volume of the brain has been greatly deficient, 
has been surprisingly improved during the contin- 
uance of an inflammatory cephalic fever ; and that 
cerebral irritation, arising from mechanical inju- 
ries, has often added greatly to the vigor of the 
intellect of ordinary men. 

A son of the late Dr. Priestly, says this writer, 
whose intellect was naturally feeble, fell from the 
window of a two story house, and fractured his 
skull. From this time his intellect became greatly 
improved. 

An extraordinary case was recently communica- 
ted to the Medical Society of Ghent ; that of a 
young man of naturally very limited intelligence, 
who lost to the amount of two tea-cups of brain 
by a pistol shot, besides considerable quantities 
which were discharged at several subsequent dress- 
ings. He lived for two years after this occurrence, 
with his intellect vastly improved. 

Accidents of the same nature, followed by sim- 
ilar consequences, are recorded of many others. 

Every one, who has observed cases of intermit- 



77 

tent fever, must have been struck with the in- 
creased vigor and activity of the mind during the 
hot stage of the disease. Men of very ordinary 
capacity, while under its influence, often rise to a 
degree of strength and boldness of conception, and 
brilliancy of expression, truly astonishing. When 
the brain is excited, whether from moral or phys- 
ical causes, the mind often acts with vastly in- 
creased power, and the individual exhibits all the 
phenomena of a temporary brain fever. 

Who has listened to the debates of Congress 
during times of high political excitement, or at- 
tended the pleadings in the Supreme Court, and 
has not been impressed with the truth of this ob- 
servation ? I could detail numerous instances 
illustrative of this remark, but will state only a 
single case. 

The late William Pinkney, of Maryland, whose 
extraordinary power in debate is universally 
known, when unexcited, exhibited nothing in the 
appearance which manifested great activity or en- 
ergy of mind ; but when roused by debate, his face 
became suffused with blood, his eye sparkling and 
animated, his carotids pulsated violently, his jugular 
veins became swollen, and every thing indicated that 
the blood was carried to the head with an impetus 
proportioned to the excitement of the occasion and 
his intellectual effort ; and it was only during this 
cerebral orgasm, that his thoughts were poured 
forth with that fluency and power for which he was 



78 

so remarkably distinguished. The same phenom- 
ena occurred, to some extent, in his private studies, 
whenever he fixed his mind intently on any one 
subject for the purpose of deep investigation. 

It was after one of these cerebral paroxysms of 
protracted and powerful excitement in the Supreme 
Court, that the integrity of his brain gave way, and 
fatal disease ensued. 

In his last illness he informed me, that after pe- 
riods of high intellectual effort, he found the blood 
rushing to the head, long after the occasion 
which had excited it, had gone by, and that he 
often found it difficult to compose his mind suffi- 
ciently for sleep. 

I could point you, were it proper to do so, to 
many living examples of the same description. 

In these cases, there is no augmentation in the 
size of the head ; there is no change in its form. 

It is evident, then, that there is something that 
gives power to the mind, which has no connexion 
with the volume of the brain. Whether this is to 
be found in the peculiar organization of the cere- 
bral structure, the increased energy and action of 
its vessels, the quantity of arterial blood propelled 
to the organ by the heart, or to some other cause, 
is beyond the present state of anatomical and phys- 
iological knowledge to determine. 

While I admit that there is a difference in the 
natural capacities of men, I am equally clear 
that this difference is utterly insignificant, com- 



79 

pared with what is impressed upon the mind by 
circumstances. 

The influence of climate, occupation, literature, 
science and the arts, commerce and war, civil and 
religious institutions, the state of society and the 
modes of life, all exert a powerful influence upon 
the human intellect ; but, above all, it is the dis- 
cipline of the mind which developes its powers. 
The intellectual, like the physical functions, ac- 
quire strength by use ; and he who would attain 
eminence, must subject himself to the habit of 
long continued and close application to study ; to 
deep and systematic reflection, severe investiga- 
tion, and accurate analysis. These give a vigor to 
the mind that nature never imparts. 

But were it true, that there is an established re- 
lation between the power of the mind and the vol- 
ume of the brain, the fact would avail the practical 
phrenologist nothing, as he has no means of ascer- 
taining the amount of brain in the living subject. 

2. You have seen that the complex character 
of the brain, as an intellectual organ, forms one of 
the leading doctrines of phrenology, and professes 
to rest mainly on observation for its support. In- 
deed, the discovery of the fact that there is a coin- 
cidence between the protuberances on the skull and 
the intellectual and moral character of man, first 
led Dr. Gall, as he informs us, to the study of the 
subject. 

It is no part of my purpose to disprove this coin- 
12 



80 

cidence. Whether there is a correspondence be- 
tween the external form of the head and the char- 
acter of the mind, I leave for future observations to 
determine. If I have established the fact, that a 
protuberance on the skull is no proof of a corres- 
ponding development of the brain, my end is ac- 
complished ; and this, I think, has been clearly 
shown. 

The strong argument which phrenology brings 
forward to induce us to believe, in opposition to our 
senses, that the brain is composed of separate or- 
gans, is that of analogy. Each organ of the body, 
say its advocates, performs but a single function. 
The stomach digests the food, the heart circulates 
the blood, the liver secretes the bile, the lungs 
perform the function of respiration, and the eye, 
that of vision. These functions are all dissimilar 
in their nature, and each one can be performed 
only by its own appropriate organ. One function 
cannot be performed by the organ of another. 
Therefore as the functions of the mind are many, 
and various in their nature, each one must have its 
own appropriate organ, and the brain therefore 
must be divided into as many different compart- 
ments as there are mental functions to be per- 
formed. 

Now let us see how this analogical argument 
bears upon the subject, when carried out. While 
we admit that the various functions of the body are 
different in their nature, we should remember that 



81 

the organs which perform those functions are also 
widely different in their form and structure. The 
stomach bears no resemblance to the liver, the 
lungs to the heart, nor the eye to either. Conse- 
quently, if the analogy holds good, each faculty of 
the mind should not only have a distinct and sepa- 
rate organ, but each organ should be dissimilar in 
its structure and form. The structure of the organ 
of Combativeness should be entirely unlike that of 
Veneration, and that of Benevolence should bear 
no resemblance in its mechanism to that of De- 
structiveness. The organs of Color, Music, Cal- 
culation and Language should each exhibit a form 
and internal structure as distinct and dissimilar as 
those of the stomach and liver, the heart and the 
eye. But unfortunately the brain exhibits no such 
variety of structure. The same kind of cortical 
and medullary matter, fashioned into the same 
shape, performs the functions of love and murder, 
of music, poetry, language and mathematics ; it 
acquires wealth, dispenses alms, builds ships, cir- 
cumnavigates the globe, and worships the Deity. 
Nor is there the slightest indication manifest upon 
dissection, that those separate compartments, 
dreamed of by the phrenologists, have any existence 
in the brain. 

The idea that the brain is composed of a plural- 
ity of organs, and that each has its own appropriate 
functions, has elicited every argument which could 
be brought to its support. To sustain the propo- 
sition, volumes have been written, experiments 



82 

have been made, and the records of medicine and 
surgery have been ransacked in pursuit of facts. 

If the brain be composed of a plurality of organs, 
as represented by the figured head, each of which 
is the seat of a separate faculty, it necessarily fol- 
lows, that when any one of these organs is injured 
or destroyed, its faculty must be injured or de- 
stroyed also. 

Yet in all the mutilations of the brain to which 
man has been subjected for two thousand years, it 
appears that the records of surgery do not furnish 
a single well authenticated case, in which the loss 
of a particular faculty has happened according to 
the organ on which the injury was inflicted, while 
the other faculties remained unimpaired. 

We learn from the researches of Haller, Dr. 
Ferrier and numerous others, that a vast variety of 
cases are recorded, in which large portions of the 
brain have been actually destroyed, and in so 
many parts of the head, as to dispose of nearly all 
the phrenological organs in turn, and that not a 
single case has happened of such partial destruc- 
tion of intellect, as must have occurred if the doc- 
trine of separate organs be true ; and we can 
hardly find a surgeon who has not met with cases 
in his practice, where portions of the brain have 
been destroyed by wounds, the consequences of 
which fully confirm the statement of these writers. 
In many of these cases, blindness and deafness 
have been produced, motion and sensation de- 
stroyed, and all the intellectual faculties sus- 



83 

pended ; but there has not been a destruction of a 
particular faculty of the mind, while its other pow- 
ers have remained untouched. How, then, can it 
be, after the lapse of so many ages, that there 
are no facts of this description to confirm the doc- 
trines of phrenology ? Certainly, it cannot be for 
the want of an opportunity for observation. 

To say nothing of the accidents of private life, 
there is scarcely a naval or military battle, in which 
cases of injury of the phrenological organs are not 
met with in abundance ; and yet the science de- 
rives no support from this source. 

The following case, if there were no other on 
record, would be sufficient to overthrow the idea 
of a plurality of cerebral organs, each limited to 
its appropriate function, as held by phrenologists. 
It occured in the practice of an eminent physician 
of Ohio, and was communicated by him to Profes- 
sor Dunglison of Philadelphia, by whom it has 
been published in the American Medical Intelli- 
gencer for April, 1837, a work edited by that dis- 
tinguished author. 

Case of Fatal Disorganization of the Brain, without 
corresponding derangement of the intellectual and 
moral acts. By G. W. Boerstler, of Lancaster, 
Ohio. 

LANCASTER, Ohio, Sept. 3d, 1836. 

Dear Sir, — Having leisure, I take the liberty 
of furnishing you with the facts of a case, which to 
me are of deep concern, and are not devoid of in- 



84 

terest to the physiologist and pathologist. I trans- 
scribe from my note book, as follows: — In August, 
1833, I was called to see William Miller, a lad 
about eleven years old ; he had just received a 
kick from a newly shod horse, which fractured the 
right superior portion of the os frontis, and the 
anterior portion of the right parietal bone. Dur- 
ing the operation of removing the fractured bones, 
I found one portion an inch and a half long, of an 
irregular triangular form, driven into the right 
anterior lobe of the cerebrum, to the depth of an 
inch ; on removing it, about a table-spoonful of 
brain was discharged. The piece of bone having 
its edges serrated, and being driven from before 
backwards, necessarily produced a very great lace- 
ration of the meninges. The common integu- 
ments over the fracture were much contused and 
lacerated, and sloughed in the course of a few 
days, leaving exposed a very considerable portion 
of the skull and brain. I moulded to the convexi- 
ty of the cranium wet pasteboards, and then satu- 
rated them with albumen, which, when dry, gave 
them considerable firmness ; these I confined with 
the double-headed roller. I looked upon these 
precautionary measures as important, for I feared 
hernia cerebri; four days gave reality to those 
fears ; hernia came on, but after six days' per- 
severance I succeeded in preventing any farther 
protrusion. There was no compression, save by 
the fractured pieces, which were readily removed. 
The boy's faculties were not destroyed, but there 



85 

was some intellectual confusion, from the time of 
the injury, during the operation, and for two hours 
after ; from which time he recovered every faculty of 
the mind, and they continued vigorous for six weeks, 
and to within one hour of his death, which took place 
on the forty-third day. During all this period, there 
was little apparent derangement in any of the or- 
gans, except a slight irritative fever, which super- 
vened sixteen days after the injury, and continued 
to the termination of the case. So slight was this 
fever, that, in despite of all entreaties, the patient 
sat up every day, and frequently walked to the 
window and withdrew the curtain, in order to see 
the boys play in the streets, in which he took deep 
interest — frequently laughing at their gambols. 
Four hours after death, I proceeded to the exami- 
nation, in the presence of Doctors Edwards, Ohr, 
and Newcomer. Upon removing the cranium, the 
dura mater presented strong marks of inflamma- 
tion over the entire arch of the head, being deeply 
injected in parts, and having depositions of coagu- 
lable lymph in others. From the antero-inferior 
angle of the right parietal bone, in a line back to 
its junction with the occipital, the dura mater was 
disorganized in three points by ulceration. The 
space of the skull, previously occupied by the 
right anterior and middle lobes of the cerebrum, 
presented a perfect cavity, the hollow of which was 
filled with some sero-purulent matter — the lobes 
having been destroyed by suppuration : the third 



86 



lobe was much disorganized. The left hemisphere 
was in a state of ramollisement down to the corpus 
callosum. It was so much softened that the slight- 
est touch would remove portions ; and, with the 
aid of a sponge, I wiped away its substance to 
near the corpus callosum, when it began to be 
firmer, but presented more the appearance of a 
homogeneous mass than of regular organization. 
The chiasm of the optic nerves, as well as their 
entire tract, was so soft as to yield to a slight 
touch with the handle of the scalpel, and the 
olfactory were in the same condition. The corpus 
callosum, thalami nervorum opticorum, and tuber- 
cula quadrigemina, presented no pathological con- 
dition. The cerebellum and medulla oblongata 
were in a physiological state. The spinal column 
was not examined. This boy was remarkably in- 
telligent. In my daily visits I held frequent con- 
versations with him, and in all my observations I 
could not discover the slighest derangement of his 
intellectual faculties — no dulness of sensibility, no 
obtuseness of perception, no impairment of judg- 
ment, no want of memory, and, so far as mind is 
concerned, he gave no evidence of disease. His 
vision, audition, and voice, were unimpaired. 

We here have a case, which presents that por- 
tion of the brain from which the nerves arise in a 
physiological condition, and the general nervous 
apparatus in a sound state, fit for conveying im- 
pressions, whilst the organ, upon which depend 



87 

perception and the perfection of ideas, is in a 
great degree lost, and what remains is in a highly 
pathological condition ; yet we have all the mani- 
festations of intellect, as if the encephalon were 
not required in those highest functions. His case 
contradicts the opinion of Sir Charles Bell, that 
disease of the general surface of the brain is 
always attended with derangement of the mind ; 
and it is equally opposed to the views of Desmou- 
lins, Gall, Spurzheim, and others, who contend 
that the seat of intellection is in the periphery of 
the brain, or its convolutions. In like manner the 
opinion of Magendie is contradicted, — that the 
sense of sight is always destroyed by removal of 
the cerebral hemispheres ; for here the right hem- 
isphere was destroyed, and yet vision was perfect 
with either eye. Where, I would ask, were the 
functions of mind executed in this case? Intellec- 
tion was performed, the moral faculties were exer- 
cised, and that portion of the brain, in which we 
believe those important and complicated actions 
are generated and perfected, was either gone, or 
in a highly pathological state. I have given briefly, 
and I hope clearly, the facts in this case. To you 
I look for the deductions. I hope I have not tres- 
passed too much on your time, by detailing a case 
which presents much interest to the physiologist. 
I am, dear sir, very truly, your friend, 

G. W. BoERSTLER. 
Professor Dunglison. 

13 



88 

Here then is a case in which all that portion of 
the brain, which has been assigned by phrenology 
to the intellectual functions, viz.: Individuality, 
Form, Size, Weight, Coloring, Locality, Order, 
Time, Number, Tune, Language, Comparison, 
Causality, Wit, Imitation, Eventuality, and Won- 
der, was found in a state of disease and disorgani- 
zation, and yet not one of those functions destroyed 
or impaired. And it should be borne in mind, that 
not one hemisphere of the brain only was found 
diseased, for in such an event, the phrenologist 
would say, that although one hemisphere was dis- 
organized, the other being healthy, the sound half 
performed the functions of both, as the brain is 
composed of two symmetrical portions. But in this 
case the anterior lobes of both the right and left 
hemispheres of the brain were diseased, and to an 
extent which precludes the possibility of any men- 
tal operation being performed by them. Take in 
connexion with these facts, the position of the 
phrenologist, that the periphery or external por- 
tion of the brain is that in which the mental opera- 
tions are performed, and what becomes of the doc- 
trine of a plurality of cerebral organs, or a sepa- 
rate compartment for each of the mental functions ? 
As well may we talk of walking without legs, or 
seeing without eyes, as to suppose this youth ca- 
pable of those intellectual functions which phrenol- 
ogy has placed in the anterior lobes of the brain, 
if the doctrine of separate compartments be true. 



89 

Under all this devastation of cerebral organization, 
what was the state of the boy's mind ? " The 
boy's faculties," says the surgeon, " were not de- 
stroyed, but there was some intellectual confusion, 
from the time of the injury, during the operation, 
and for two hours after, from which time he recovered 
every faculty of the mind, and they continued vigorous 
for six weeks, and to within one hour of his death, 
which took place on the forty-third day." 

3. It is not my purpose to go into an analysis 
of the human mind, nor to discuss at length the 
philosophy of that division and arrangement of its 
faculties which is peculiar to phrenology. But I 
cannot pass over this branch of the subject, without 
bestowing upon it a moment's attention. 

It has been shown that phrenology divides the 
brain into at least thirty-five distinct and separate 
organs, each of which is the instrument of thought 
and the source of specific mental manifestation ; 
which manifestation is the product of material or- 
ganization. That each organ is endowed with a 
specific faculty, to the exercise of which it is as 
strictly, as the eye is limited to sight, or the ear 
to sound. One organ is endowed with a faculty 
for music, another for painting, another for mathe- 
matics, and so on. But each organ, it seems, be- 
fore it can be set in operation, has to be endowed 
not only with its own distinctive faculty, but in- 
vested also with nearly all the attributes of the hu- 
man mind. It must have the power of perception, 



90 



memory, imagination, reason and will, and however 
reluctant the phrenologist may be to call in the 
aid of these " obsolete'' qualities of mind, he ac- 
knowledges their presence and agency in every 
function which he describes. Each organ, it is 
said, is not only distinct from the rest, but is as 
capable of performing its function independent of 
the other organs, as if it had its locality in another 
head. So independent indeed are the organs of 
each other, that they may all carry on their various 
and conflicting operations at one and the same 
time, without the slightest confusion or discord. 
We must regard the different organs, therefore, as 
so many distinct and independent brains, and each 
endowed with the larger proportion of all the pow- 
ers of the human intellect. 

If all this be so, the Deity, it would seem, has been 
more beneficent to man than we had supposed, by 
bestowing upon him such various and independent 
faculties as qualify him to carry on numerous men- 
tal operations, and engage in a multiplicity of pur- 
suits at the same time. His organ of Tune may 
enjoy the music of the harp, while that of Color 
feasts upon the beauties of the rainbow, his Caus- 
ality follows an argument, his Veneration bows at 
the altar, and his Calculation works its problem in 
algebra. 

But here we are reminded to stop and inquire 
if the author of our being has not committed an 
error in one part of this arrangement, that while 



91 

he has invested man's brain with such various 
and independent powers, he has bestowed upon 
him but one set of organs for the use of the ex- 
ternal senses ; for I suppose it will be admitted 
that the eye can receive and transmit to the mind 
but one image at the same time, and the ear can 
receive and transmit at the same time but one dis- 
tinct impression of sound. The tongue can obey 
the mandate of but one organ at the same time. 
If Causality commands its services in delivering an 
argument, it cannot at the same moment yield to 
the solicitations of Veneration in offering up prayer. 
The hands cannot at the same time employ the 
pencil and the chisel, write poetry and play upon 
the organ. Nor can the feet transport the body at 
the same time to the church and the theatre. 
If the organ of Constructiveness demands the 
use of the limbs and the external senses, what is 
to become of the claims of Combativeness and De- 
structiveness ? While the external senses, there- 
fore, are employed by one organ, all the rest must 
be shut out from the surrounding world, and be 
locked up in repose. 

In this view of the subject, would there not be 
frequent collision and discord, among the different 
members of this republic established in the brain ? 
or is there some great regulating power, some 
high court of judicature to decide upon their re- 
spective claims and control their operations, and 
if so, in what part of the brain is it situated ? Is 



92 



it seated at the top of the spinal marrow, or does 
it hold its residence in the pineal gland, and where 
is the organ through which it performs its func- 
tions ? 

If the phrenological organs are separate and 
distinct, and each limited to its appropriate func- 
tion, they should be sufficiently numerous to per- 
form all the mental operations that manifestly are 
performed ; and each organ should be endowed 
with powers adequate to all its duties. In no case 
should one organ be called upon to perform the 
functions of another. There should be no redun- 
dancy, no deficiency. Is this the case ? Phrenol- 
ogy has given us both an organ of form and one of 
size. The knowledge of extension includes both. 
Combativeness and Destructiveness appear to be 
the same function differing only in degree. Firm- 
ness and Adhesiveness produce the same emotion. 
Veneration is the result of love, fear, admiration. 
Concentrativeness is nothing more than the explod- 
ed faculty of attention. As phrenology would say, 
it is the power of keeping two or more organs, when 
in simultaneous operation, applied to their task. It 
has been seen moreover that each organ is endowed 
with its own reasoning power. Wherefore is it 
necessary that there should be an organ, as that of 
Causality, appropriated exclusively to this func- 
tion ; and why should there be an organ of Ideal- 
ity, if every other organ is endowed with the 
power of imagination ? A critical examination of 



93 

the subject will show a still greater redundancy in 
this catalogue of organs. But is there no defi- 
ciency ? 

The metaphysician endows the mind with cer- 
tain faculties, and these he designates according to 
the nature of their function, and not according to 
the nature of the object upon which they are ex- 
ercised ; and though few in number, he concen- 
trates and brings them to bear upon whatever sub- 
ject engages the attention ; and thus he produces 
the infinite variety of manifestations, displayed in 
the operations of the human mind. Phrenology 
divides and designates the mental faculties accord- 
ing to the nature of the object upon which those 
faculties are exerted, and assigns to each a spe- 
cific cerebral organ. 

Now according to this latter system, should 
there not be as many separate organs and inde- 
pendent faculties as there are objects of attention 
in the universe ? We have an organ of Philopro- 
genitiveness, or love of offspring. Should there 
not be an organ of Philoprogenitorness, through 
whicn children might exercise the same emotion 
towards their parents ? Should there not be an 
organ also for the love of brothers and sisters, an 
organ for the love of dogs, another for the love of 
horses, and another for the love of gambling, pro- 
pensities quite as strongly developed in the human 
character as those of music, painting and mathe- 
matics ? Every occupation, virtue, vice, passion, 



94 

and amusement, it would seem, should have its ap- 
propriate organ. And thus, instead of thirty-five 
organs, there should be as many thousands, if the 
views upon which we are called to admit the prin- 
ciple be correct. But the principle is not correct. 
As well may we talk of the retina of the eye 
being divided into different sections, one of which 
is for the image of a man, another for the image of 
a horse, and another for that of a tree, as to di- 
vide the brain up into separate and independent 
organs. What should we say of the physiologist 
who should tell us that there is one set of muscles 
to bear us to the church, and another to carry us 
to the theatre, and a third to transport us to the 
race course? And yet the church, the theatre, and 
the race course are all objects of attention, and as 
distinct and various in their nature as those of 
painting, music and poetry. 

This then is that intellectual machinery which 
has been so much lauded for its simplicity and har- 
mony, and its admirable adaptation to the condi- 
tion of the human race, and which claims to be 
founded upon fact, reason, and observation. 

4. Phrenology assumes the position, that the 
exercise of the mind increases the volume of the 
brain, and that the exercise of the individual facul- 
ties of the mind increases the volume of the cere- 
bral organs in which those faculties are seated ; 
just as the use of the limbs augments the volume 
of their muscles. Of the truth of this position 



95 

there is no adequate proof. It appears to be a 
mere gratuitous assumption, and there is no more 
evidence that the exercise of the mind increases 
the amount of the neurine of the brain, that ele- 
ment which is regarded as the source of mental 
manifestation, than there is that the exercise of the 
body increases the fat ; that the exercise of vision 
increases the amount of neurine contained in the 
retina of the eye, or that the exercise of hearing 
increases the amount of neurine in the auditory 
nerve. On the other hand, the researches of 
Tiedeman, Wenzel and Soemmering, physiologists 
of the highest authority, seem to have established 
the fact, that the brain acquires its full size and 
weight at the age of eight years. Consequently, 
any increase which may take place in the dimen- 
sions of the head after this period of life, arises not 
from an augmentation of the volume of the brain, 
but from a thickening of the integuments and bones 
of the cranium. All the mental exercise, there- 
fore, which is performed subsequent to the eighth 
year, it would appear, has no effect in increasing 
the magnitude of the brain ; nor is there any proof 
that its development previous to this period, de- 
pends at all upon the exercise of the mind. How 
clear is it, therefore, that the development and 
strength which the mind acquires from its disci- 
pline and use, depends on causes in no way con- 
nected with the volume of the brain. 

But suppose the position were true, what would 
14 



96 

be the result ? Would not the brain increase most 
rapidly in its volume at that period of life when the 
mental powers are the most strenuously tasked 1 
And this surely is not previous to the eighth year. 
Should we not also find the head of those who had 
devoted their lives to the acquisition of knowledge, 
to hard thinking, and close investigation, twice the 
size of the head of such as had spent their days in 
mental indolence, as the arm of the man who has 
tugged at the oar, or swung the sledge hammer, is 
twice the size of his who has only wielded the pen. 
And should we not be enabled to distinguish by 
the prominences of the skull, those who had de- 
voted themselves to particular studies and pursuits, 
with as much precision as we distinguish the 
brawny porter from the sinewy Arab, or the dray- 
horse from the courser. The architect and the 
musician, the mathematician, linguist and logician, 
the traveller, painter and poet, the patriot and 
warrior, should all be distinguished by the devel- 
opments of the cranium. The libertine, the thief, 
and the assassin, would be known and avoided, and 
our divines also might be distinguished, and even 
the amount of their piety ascertained and gauged 
by this rule. 

Thus the various pursuits and occupations of 
men should be known by the prominence of the 
organs which had been especially called into exer- 
cise, not merely by those imperceptible shades of 
development, that only can be appreciated by the 



97 



craniometer, or which the charlatan manipulator 
pretends to recognise. The protuberances should 
be palpable and stand out in relief, and be invari- 
able and constant in their position, according to 
the faculties which had been called into requi- 
sition. 

If this doctrine be founded in truth, what should 
have been the size of the head of such men as 
Bacon and Leibnitz ? What the developments of 
Porson and Lagrange ? The Causality of Locke, 
Newton and Edwards ; the Ideality of Shakspeare, 
Milton, Byron and Scott ; the Constructiveness of 
Watt, Fulton and Perkins ; the Veneration of Pas- 
cal, Kempis, Fenelon, Fletcher and Brainerd ; the 
combative and destructive organs of Alexander and 
Bonaparte, of Lord Nelson and Paul Jones ; should 
have stood out in pyramids upon the skull. 

If the theory of a plurality of cerebral organs be 
true, and the brain be capable of being moulded by 
circumstances, as phrenology would have us be- 
lieve, we might, perhaps, with some show of plau- 
sibility, by mechanical means, as well as moral in- 
fluence agreeably to the proposition of Emanuel 
Swedenborg, endeavor so to modify the develop- 
ments of the skull, as to promote the growth of the 
good organs, and repress those that are evil ; and 
thus turn a sour into a sweet temper, and a knavish 
into an honest disposition. Upon this principle, we 
might manufacture our heroes and statesmen, our 
philosophers and divines, our poets and painters, 
and all of the highest order. 



98 

For aught we know, the brain is a unit, and the 
whole organ concerned in each and every opera- 
tion of the mind. 

That the different faculties of the mind are 
modified by occupation, is universally known and 
admitted. 

The individual, who cultivates exclusively his 
memory, acquires a facility of retaining facts to an 
extent inconceivable to those who neglect this fac- 
ulty ; and such persons often make vast attain- 
ments in knowledge without the power of arranging 
or applying it to practice ; while the metaphysi- 
cian, who principally exercises his understanding, 
arrives at a power of analysis, and of distinguishing 
cause and effect, known only to those who accus- 
tom themselves to long and deep thinking. He 
who cherishes his fancy to the neglect of his judg- 
ment, acquires an exquisiteness of feeling and re- 
finement which often disqualifies him for the more 
rigorous exercises of the mind. The will, unbri- 
dled, acquires strength, until it gains an omnipo- 
tent control over that man who habitually yields to 
its dominion. 

5. An argument frequently urged in support of 
phrenology, is the success with which its principles 
have been applied to practice in distinguishing 
character. Dr. Gall himself, we are told, sub- 
jected his theory to the most rigid scrutiny, and 
with triumphant success ; and that on several oc- 
casions he was enabled to ascertain, by the devel- 



99 

opments of the head, the precise crime for which 
multitudes had been convicted and sent to prison. 

To expose the absurdity of this argument it is 
only necessary to bring to view the fact, that men of 
the same natural propensities, perpetrate different 
crimes, when placed under different circumstances ; 
and that individuals of different, and even opposite 
tendencies, commit the same crimes when placed 
under circumstances which are similar ; nay, that 
men often perpetrate crimes to which they have 
no natural propensity, but a deep abhorrence, 
when strongly operated on by external influences. 
One man commits murder wantonly, or from the 
natural cruelty of his disposition ; another, that he 
may inherit a post of honor, or possess himself of 
fortune ; and a third, to conceal another crime 
which he has already perpetrated. One individual 
steals from the mere motive of acquisition ; an- 
other, that he may possess the means to gratify his 
sensual desires, or foster his pride or ambition ; 
while a third is impelled to the crime from extreme 
poverty. 

The history of man in every country and age, 
will show, that nine-tenths of all the outrages com- 
mitted are the consequence of defective education, 
bad example, vicious company, or other circum- 
stances which attend the offender, rather than of 
any inherent propensity to the crime perpetrated. 

How preposterous, then, to look to the develop- 
ments of the head as the measure of a man's vir- 



100 

tues and vices, or even to regard his known pro- 
pensities and dispositions as the true index to the 
history of his life. 

Can any one who reflects upon the various cir- 
cumstances of human life, the incidents which often 
control man's destinies, the temptations which as- 
sail him in different situations, believe, that of the 
four hundred and seventy culprits examined by 
Dr. Gall at the fortress of Spandau, upon which so 
much stress has been laid, each was convicted of 
the precise crime for which he had the strongest 
propensity by nature ? As well may we suppose 
that every one dies of the disease to which he has 
the strongest natural predisposition ; that because 
a man is predisposed to apoplexy, he cannot die of 
fever, be buried in the ocean, or be struck down by 
the lightning of heaven. 

6. Again, it is said, if phrenology is destitute 
of foundation, why is it that it has become a study 
of so much interest in the circles of literary and 
scientific men ? A moment's attention to the sub- 
ject will enable us to answer the inquiry. 

Phrenology, if it did not originate with, was 
early espoused by zealous and distinguished advo- 
cates. Gall and Spurzheim were both men of 
genius and of letters ; and the latter, especially, 
has shown himself to be a man of extraordinary zeal 
and perseverance ; an eloquent writer, an untiring 
investigator, and possessed of extensive literary 
acquirements ; and whatever may be thought of his 



101 

phrenology, it is not denied, that his investigations 
of the nervous system have contributed something 
to physiological science ; and more especially, that 
they have excited a spirit of inquiry in others which 
has led to important results. We still have living 
advocates of phrenology who justly rank among the 
most eloquent writers of the age. Mr. Combe, of 
Edinburgh, is scarcely surpassed for the beauty of 
his style, his command of facts, the richness and 
facility of his illustrations, or for philosophical ob- 
servation. Nor is our own country destitute of 
men of ability and high literary attainments, who 
give all their influence to the support of phre- 
nology. 

These writers have intermingled with their doc- 
trines so much of philosophy and truth, have in- 
troduced so many novel facts and illustrations, and 
have exhibited the whole subject in such an aspect, 
as to render the study exceedingly captivating, 
especially to the young and those of speculative 
minds. 

But, beyond all this, there is another, and deeper 
principle, which disposes men to the study and be- 
lief of phrenology. 

From the earliest history of man, he has ever 
been seeking after something which would solve all 
difficulties, reveal all secrets ; and something, too, 
which savors of mystery or of miracle. Something 
to supersede tedious observation, and laborious re- 
search ; and if this principle of his nature has not 



102 

always been manifested in a pursuit of the philoso- 
pher's stone, or animal magnetism, it has shown 
itself in projects equally unattainable and futile. 

It is true, also, that the study of the human 
mind, and the development of human character, 
have ever been favorite objects of attention. But 
upon the common principles of investigation, 
judging of men by their actions, his progress is 
slow, and the result doubtful. To avoid this delay 
and uncertainty, men have been impatient to dis- 
cern some broad principle, some external sign, by 
which to judge of the character of the mind, and 
reveal the hidden emotions of the soul. Every age 
has afforded proofs of the justness of these remarks. 
The speculations of Aristotle, Albert the great, 
Montagnana, and Dolci, all evince this propensity, 
and seem only to have been precursors of the pres- 
ent system of phrenology. 

At one time, we find a Porta attempting to as- 
certain the character of men by discovering in 
them resemblances to certain animals of the lower 
order. At another period, the physiognomy of 
Lavater becomes the universal guide. Next, the 
facial angle of Camper is made the measure of the 
human intellect. These have all been put forth, 
under the most confident assurances of their truth, 
and the sanction of great names. Each has pre- 
vailed for a time ; has been tested by experience 
and observation, and been abandoned. Phrenology 
has taken their place. Whether this, also, is des- 
tined to the same end, remains to be seen. 



103 

Is it strange, then, when we are told that a sci- 
ence has been discovered, by which the character 
and capacities of the human mind can be ascer- 
tained, the secrets of the heart disclosed, and 
this, too, by a momentary examination of the ex- 
terior of the head, that we should find men disposed 
to study and advocate its doctrines ? 

In concluding my remarks, gentlemen, upon 
phrenology, a subject which has withdrawn, I fear, 
the attention of many able minds from far nobler 
objects, allow me to suggest some considerations 
in relation to your future pursuits, and the duties 
which you owe to yourselves and to the world. 

You will soon be called to exchange the quiet 
scenes which now surround you, for the more pub- 
lic theatre of life, and to unite with your present 
intellectual pursuits the arduous, practical duties 
of society. High and honorable is the trust to be 
confided to you, and it will doubtless be assumed 
with a suitable sense of your responsibility, as well 
as with a steadfast resolution, that no reasonable 
expectations on the part of your friends, or the 
community, shall be disappointed. 

If there are some things in prospect which cause 
you to tremble, there are many also that meet the 
eye, calculated to cheer you, and to suggest, at 
the same time, the nature of those objects which 
more especially demand your attention. 

Providence has assigned your sphere of action in 
a country boundless in extent and inexhaustible in 
15 



104 

its resources ; blessed with a free constitution, and 
with civil and social institutions, calculated to en- 
courage the boldest enterprises, and to ensure to 
your exertions the highest rewards ; a country un- 
paralleled for the free, unembarrassed facilities of 
applying moral, physical and intellectual power to 
the great purposes of life. The field which lies 
before you is vast in the number, as well as in the 
magnitude of its objects, and is constantly enlarging 
from the discovery of new sources of wealth and of 
labor in every portion of our land. 

If we turn our eyes to the Atlantic coast, we be- 
hold disembarking from ships which throng our 
harbors, a countless multitude of adventurers from 
every clime, the tide of foreign emigration rolling 
in like a flood, and the cities of the seaboard 
crowded with population and loaded with wealth. 
If we turn to the great West, but recently the 
hunting-ground of the savage, we see the noblest 
and richest valley in the world, its forests falling 
before the hardy pioneer, and towns and villages 
rising as by the touch of enchantment. And turn 
where we may, we see the demand for moral and 
intellectual effort keeping an even pace with the 
footsteps of enterprise. 

The period, too, in which you are called to ac- 
tive life, is unprecedented for the rapid advance- 
ment of society in great practical improvements. 
In a few years, you may live through more events 
of interest, than whole generations which have 



105 

preceded you. In our day, from the influence of 
moral and physical causes which are in operation, 
the well directed energies of one enterprising spirit 
will accomplish more than the combined exertion 
of multitudes in a former age. But it is not as 
champions of some brilliant theory, which attracts 
attention because of its mysterious and extravagant 
character, by which you can become useful, and 
acquire a desirable reputation. It is practical tal- 
ent, regulated by a high sense of moral obligation, 
which is in requisition throughout our whole 
country, and this supported by decision, energy, 
and action ; and it is by your own exertions that 
a renovating power is to go forth. Endeavor, 
then, to cultivate a deep sense of your personal 
responsibility, and realize that you are accountable 
for every hour of time, for every impression you 
make, for every sentiment you advance. Never 
had any people higher destinies than ours to fulfil, 
or less excuse for pursuing shadows or indulging 
in airy speculations. 

In determining the objects of your pursuit, let 
me admonish you, that the period of human life is 
so short, the objects to which it can be directed to 
purpose so few, and those which invite your at- 
tention so numerous, that a judicious selection 
and limitation of them is indispensable to eminent 
success. 

Men are too liable to be engrossed by the novel- 



106 

ties of the day, and to be led away by those subjects 
which serve rather to amuse, than to instruct the 
mind. How many great minds, capable of the 
highest effort, have dissipated their powers by the 
multiplicity and uncertainty of their pursuits ! Do 
not weaken your minds by feebly grasping at every 
thing ; and while you limit the objects of your at- 
tention, be sure that those you aim at are within 
the probable reach of attainment ; and that they 
are such, too, as will render you useful, as well as 
distinguished, members of society. 

Let me not be understood to discountenance, or 
undervalue, that sublime science, the philosophy 
of the human mind. Nothing will contribute more 
to give you a commanding influence, and to render 
circumstances subservient to your purpose, than a 
deep knowledge of the human character. Some 
men of great talents, and of high scientific attain- 
ments, have utterly failed of success in practical 
life, from an ignorance of men, and an inability to 
adapt their knowledge to the circumstances in 
which they have been placed. But this knowledge 
is not to be sought in the study of man's physical 
organization, any more than the value or brilliancy 
of a jewel in the form of the box which contains it. 
There is no short way to the philosophy of the hu- 
man mind. Man must be studied as he ever has 
been, to ensure success, by close and accurate ob- 
servation, and an actual mingling with mankind in 
the various stages and conditions of life. In the 



107 

language of Napoleon, that great practical philoso- 
pher, whose knowledge of human nature was one 
of his most wonderful attainments, I would say, — 
" Nature does not reveal her secrets by external 
forms. She hides and does not expose her secrets. 
To pretend to seize or penetrate human character 
by so slight an index," (as the developments of 
the head) " is the part of a dupe or an impostor. 
The only way of knowing our fellow-creatures is to 
see them, to haunt them, to submit them to proof. 
We must study them long, if we wish not to be 
mistaken ; we must judge of them by their actions. 
This is my opinion, and this has long been my 
guide. " 

Beware, gentlemen, of a science so delusive as 
that which pretends to detect and mark the 
countless varieties of human character, and gauge 
and measure the capacities of the human soul, 
by a graduated scale of brass ; a science which 
finds an apology for the vices and follies of man- 
kind, in the forms bestowed upon them by a good 
and all-wise Creator. 

Let me caution you, also, to distrust its applica- 
tion to yourselves, as well as to others ; and not 
to rely on any native endowments you may thereby 
be induced to attribute to yourselves, for the sta- 
tions you may aspire to in life. What rank you 
shall hold among intellectual men, depends not on 
the prominences of the cranium, but upon your 
own exertions. The mind, not less than the body, 



108 

is susceptible of inconceivable improvement from 
the culture it receives. It is attention fixed on 
proper objects of pursuit ; perseverance that never 
wavers from its purpose ; application, steady and 
untiring, that constitute the most striking differ- 
ences among men. It is these which will enable 
each of you, not only to attain, but to deserve the 
highest distinctions and rewards. 



109 



EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES. 



Plate I. 

Exhibits the name, form, size, and position of the phren- 
ological organs, as represented on the figured head of 
Mr. Combe. It also shows the form and application of 
the craniometer. 

Plate II. 

Shows, by a horizontal section, the thickness of two 
skulls. Fig. 1, shows, by a horizontal section, a portion 
of the skull of an adult male, a robust waterman j a : the 
fore part of the skull ; b. the thickness of the skull. 

Fig. 2, shows by a horizontal section, a portion of the 
skull of a delicate female, aged 25 ; c, the fore part of the 
skull ; d, the thickness of the skull. 

Plate III. 

Shows by a vertical section, the skull of an adult male, 
which was furnished me by N. R. Smith, M. D., Profes- 
sor of Surgery in the University of Maryland. Fig. 1 
the thickness of the skull. Fig. 2, the frontal sinuses. 
Fig. 3, the convolutions of the brain. Fig. 4, the grooves 
which separate the convolutions of the brain. Fio\ 5 the 
cerebellum. Fig. 6, the tentorium, or horizontal mem- 
brane, which separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum. 
Fig. 7, the medulla oblongata. Fig. 8, the spinal marrow. 



110 



Plate IV. 

Shows, by a vertical section, the skull of an adult male, 
from the cabinet of Professor Smith. It also shows the 
arrangement of the phrenological organs, commencing at 
the top of the spinal marrow, and radiating to the surface 
of the brain. It exhibits also the situation of the tentori- 
um and the spinal chord. Fig. 1, the thickness of the 
skull. Fig. 2, the spinal chord. Fig. 3, the origin of 
the phrenological organs. Fig. 4, the tentorium. 

Plate V. 

Shows, by a vertical section, the thickness of a skull, 
the cast of which is from the cabinet of Spurzheim, and 
was procured and sent me by J. C. Warren, M. D., Pro- 
fessor of Anatomy and Surgery in Harvard University. 
Fig. 1, the thickness of the skull. Fig. 2, grooves in the 
skull, showing the position of the middle artery of the 
duramater. 

Plate VI. 

Shows, by a horizontal section, the skull of an adult 
male, aged 30. Fig. 1, the thickness of the skull. Fig. 
2, the frontal sinuses. Fig. 3, the zigomatic process, un- 
der which the temporal muscle passes to the lower jaw. 
It also exhibits a horizontal section of the brain. Fig. 4, 
the fore part of the skull. Fig. 5, the fissure in which 
the falx of the duramater is situated, which divides the 
right and left hemispheres of the brain. Fig. 6, the falx 
of the duramater turned back. Fig. 7, the cortical or 
pulpy part of the brain. Fig. 8, the medullary or fibrous 
portion of the brain. Fig. 9, the grooves which separate 
the convolutions of the brain. Fig. 10, the corpus cal- 
losum, or great commissure of the brain. 



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